Beverly L. "Bevie" Walters

Beverly L. “Bevie” Walters, age 87, passed into the Lord’s care on May 4, 2026. She was born on May 16, 1938, in Ann Arbor to Ronald and Nellie Smith.

Beverly was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, educator, and friend whose life was marked by service, creativity, and a deep love for her family and community. She is survived by her daughters, Cynthia (Darcy) Clark and Laura (Tim) Levy; six granddaughters, Kathleen (Joseph) Stahl, Sarah (Easton) Oliver, Jordan Levy, Samantha (Izaac) Levy, Madison (Alex) Koth, and Hannah Levy; one grandson, Jared (Morgan) Clark; and five great-grandchildren, Theodore Stahl, Tucker and Elliot Poling, Graham Oliver, and Jayce Clark. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Kay and Sue Ann Walters; nieces Erin Walters, Amy (Sam) Palmer, and Beth Anne Williams; and nephew Brian (Alexis) Walters.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Frederick S. Walters Jr.; her parents, Ronald and Nellie Smith; her sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Kenneth Williams; and her brothers-in-law, James and John Walters.

Beverly attended West Intermediate School, where she met Fred in eighth grade. The two went on to graduate from Jackson High School in 1956 before continuing their education at Albion College, where they both earned their degrees in 1960. They were married in August of that same year.

Beverly dedicated 38 years of her life to education, shaping the lives of countless students and colleagues. She served as principal at Frost and Wilson Elementary Schools, concluding her career as principal at McCulloch School. She also worked as an instructional specialist at Northeast Elementary School and spent many years as a classroom teacher for grades one through five.

Her passion for literacy and learning was reflected in her academic achievements and professional involvement. She earned her Master of Arts in Reading Instruction from Michigan State University and her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Albion College. She was deeply involved in organizations such as the Michigan Reading Association, the Michigan Education Association, the International Reading Association, and the Jackson County Reading Council, where she served in numerous leadership roles, including chairperson, board member, and presenter. She also contributed her time to the Jackson Leadership Academy, the United Way of Jackson County, the Delta Kappa Gamma Society, and the Ella Sharp Museum as a trustee and board member.

Her excellence in education was recognized through nominations for Jackson Public Schools Teacher of the Year and the Michigan Reading Association’s Reading Teacher of the Year (K–6) in 1987.

A longtime and faithful member of First United Methodist Church, Beverly gave generously of her time and talents. She served on the education and missions committees, chaired mission efforts, and was a dedicated choir member for over 50 years. She was instrumental in forming the church’s Backpack Program and was actively involved in the Gilbert & Sullivan Society, performing in productions such as The Mikado, H.M.S. Pinafore, Iolanthe, and The Gondoliers.

Beyond her professional and church life, Beverly was a woman of many talents and interests. She co-authored 16 easy reader books with Geraldine Verhoeven and co-owned the Turtle Shell Store, providing educational resources for teachers. She was an avid gardener, a member of a garden club, and a gifted crafter: knitting, crocheting, quilting, sewing, and creating beautiful needlepoint and basketry. She lovingly knitted many hooded baby sweaters for friends and family over generations.

Beverly cherished travel, especially trips to Mexico, Hilton Head Island, and Europe with dear friends. A devoted fan of Michigan State Spartans men's basketball and women’s basketball, she attended games both home and away for over 30 years. She and her husband Fred were also active members of the Ali-Baba and Winterset dance clubs. She will be fondly remembered for her warm hospitality and her delicious homemade biscotti, rhubarb pie, and blueberry pie.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Vista Grand Villa, Trellis Gardens, and Careline Hospice, especially Tammy and Jazmin, for their compassionate care. Special thanks are also given to Michelle, Kat, Kiara, Jayla, and Cameron for their kindness and support over the years.

In honor of Beverly’s vibrant spirit and joyful personality, the family kindly encourages all who attend to wear bright clothing in her memory.

Beverly’s legacy of love, learning, faith, and service will live on in all who knew her.

Funeral services will be held at First United Methodist Church (275 W. Michigan Ave., Jackson, MI) on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 11:00 AM, with visitation from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made the First United Methodist Church Music Department or Ella Sharp Museum.

To view a livestream of the service, please visit First United Methodist Church's YouTube channel ( @firstunitedmethodistchurch6454).