Beverly B. Kester

Bev was beloved by her family and friends, a true role model in every aspect of life. Her favorite scripture Romans 12:12 states “Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer.” Next to this passage in Bev’s study bible, she had inscribed “how to live”. This truly encompasses so many aspects of Bev’s life. Whether during her extensive 30+ years in education or through her many contributions in church ministry, Bev personified positive energy and spirit, patience, creativity, a sincere understanding and acceptance of others and their ideas.

Bev lived as a girl in Moberly, Missouri, the second daughter to William and Ramonette Bowers and younger sister to Barbara. As she did her entire life, in her younger years, Bev thoroughly enjoyed the arts. She studied music extensively, took piano lessons and later, participated in musical performances as a choir member, soloist and accompanist. While in High School, ‘beautiful Bev’ was active in her church and in community service, enjoyed cheerleading and became a Homecoming Queen, as well as an outstanding student. In tenth grade, young Jerry Kester moved to Moberly, Missouri. His sisters reported for years afterward the special day when Jerry came home from school and announced to his Mother that he had met the most beautiful girl in the world. That girl, Beverly, would become his wife several years later and they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on January 25, 2013.

While in Moberly, as young married adults, Bev and Jerry spent a lot of time with Bev’s sister Barbara and her husband Glenn. They enjoyed wonderful events and fellowship together in Missouri and New York and also where Barbara and Glenn lived later in life – Richmond, Virginia and Conyers, Georgia. Bev and Barbara often reflected that their husbands’ relationship was more like brothers than brothers-in-law and the four of them were inseparable throughout their lives.

Upon getting married, Jerry and Bev attended and graduated from Moberly Junior College and then moved to Kansas City, Missouri where Bev helped to support Jerry by working at a bank while he went to college to study IT and Data Processing. While in Kansas City, Bev’s first daughter, Karin, was born. As Jerry was the first person in his family to ever graduate from college, it was important to Bev that he attend his graduation. At Bev’s insistence, while she and newborn Karin were in the hospital, Jerry left quickly to participate in his commencement.

Shortly after Jerry’s graduation from Emporia State University, the family moved to New York where their other daughters, Jennifer and Yvonne, were born. While there Bev enrolled in the State University of New York at New Paltz where she later graduated with degrees in Early Childhood Education and Music. Music and Education became constant forms of passion for Bev throughout her life. She spent many years with the public school systems in New York, Missouri and Texas in varying roles. In addition to being a third and fourth grade teacher, Bev opened a preschool while in Springfield, Missouri, always enjoying time spent with that precious age group. She also served as a Parent Educator with a new start-up called ‘Parents as Teachers’, a home-based parenting education program. Combining her love of the arts with teaching, Bev also served as ‘Picture Lady’ for several years, which allowed her to study various artists and teach children about different art forms of historical relevance. Importantly, many of these school volunteer and paid activities allowed Bev to volunteer at the specific schools in which her daughters attended.

Bev was always able to balance her career with family and her dedication to serve others. In her early adult years, Bev volunteered with 4H, the Girls Scouts and was involved at First Reformed Church of Walden, New York and Southminster Presbyterian Church in Springfield, Missouri as Elder, Sunday School teacher and director, youth choir leader, and youth group chaperone for mission trips. Bev was involved in music in every church she belonged to throughout life, offering her time and talent both in leadership positions, and also as choir member, soloist, volunteer organist and pianist.

More recently, Bev became highly involved in various opportunities at Grace Presbyterian Church in Plano, Texas. While there, she was a committed volunteer, an active congregation member and even on staff. She served as Elder, Christian Education Director, Children’s Choir Director and often gave Children’s sermons during worship. She also participated in many mission trips and initiatives including providing Clean Water filtration systems for Guatemalan children and families.

Beverly is survived by the family she deeply loved and to whom she had an unending loyalty: daughter Karin (John) Hart of Boise, Idaho, daughter Jennifer (Loye) Troxler of Littleton, Colorado, daughter Yvonne (Jeffrey) Hayes of Liberty, Missouri, sister Barbara Hulett of Conyers, Georgia, and eight wonderful grandchildren whom she adored. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 50 years Jereld N. Kester, and parents William S. and Ramonette Bowers.

In celebration of Beverly’s life, donations may be made to: The Grace Presbyterian Church Adult and Children’s Music Ministry; Family Promise of Collin County; or Heifer International at (heifer.org).

Family and friends will gather to celebrate Beverly’s life this Saturday, June 8, 2 p.m., at Grace Presbyterian Church, 4300 West Park Blvd., Plano, TX 75093. A reception will follow the memorial service.