Beverly Jean Worrall

Beverly Jean Worrall passed away peacefully on February 20, 2026, in Shawnee, Kansas, at the age of 98. She was born on November 19, 1927, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, to William Henderson Cope and Hazel Mitchell Cope.

Beverly's greatest joy and highest priority was her family. Her life was guided by a steadfast devotion to those she loved and by her deep belief in the value of education, hard work, and determination. After attending Hendrix College for two years as a music major, she returned to Fort Smith and worked at First National Bank of Fort Smith for three years, carefully saving money to complete her college education.

While living in Fort Smith, Beverly met Larry Worrall, an Army staff sergeant stationed at Fort Chaffee, at a local dance. When Larry proposed marriage, Beverly agreed on the condition that he continue his education. Despite discouragement from some family members about continuing her education, Beverly remained committed her goal. With encouragement from First National Bank president Mr. Sicard, she pursued her dream with characteristic determination and perseverance.

In 1952, Beverly and Larry married and moved to Lawrence, Kansas, where both earned undergraduate degrees at the University of Kansas. Beverly earned a degree in elementary education and began teaching school in Lawrence, while helping support Larry through law school.

After moving to Roeland Park, Beverly became a beloved first-grade teacher in Kansas City, Kansas, where she taught for ten years. Later the family moved to the Walmer View neighborhood in Overland Park. While raising her own children, Beverly remained deeply involved in education and community services. She served as PTA president at both Mohawk Elementary School and Shawnee Mission North High School, while also contributing to numerous educational and civic organizations. She was a board member of the Shawnee Mission Cotillion and an advocate for the Shawnee Mission North School District as a member of the Shawnee Mission Area Council. Beverly served as President of the Walmer View Homes’ Association and was a member of the area’s Garden Club. Later in life, Beverly and Larry were active members in a number of ballroom dance clubs, including the Leawoodites and Stardusters.

Beverly was a conversationalist and loved meeting new people. Her travels around the world with Larry suited her inquisitive personality. They frequented New York and London, where they enjoyed the theatre and favorite restaurants. When in Kansas City, they particularly enjoyed their Friday night margaritas and many visits to Avelluto’s Italian Delight and Johnny’s in Prairie Village where they were regulars.

Long before healthy living became fashionable, Beverly was committed to exercise, nutrition, and wellness. She was well-read on the subject matter, and the family became vegetarian in the late 1980’s, which she credited for extending her husband’s life. She studied dance from the late 1980s well into her late 80s and inspired those around her with her boundless energy, fitness, style, and good humor. She was also an animal lover who rescued and cared for many stray animals – particularly cats - throughout her life. Beverly treasured her four grandchildren, and for many years, was a familiar fixture at Briarwood elementary, where she gathered her grandsons after school.

Beverly will be remembered for her loving devotion to family, and unwavering determination whether in supporting loved ones, dancing and exercising through her 80’s, or befriending feral cats for rescue.

She is survived by her daughters, Michelle Worrall of Prairie Village, Kansas, and Laura Rachelle Worrall of Belton, Missouri; and by her grandchildren, Hannah Bihuniak of London, England, Annie Schwerdtfeger of Leawood, Kansas, Jacob Tilton of Lansing, Michigan, and Joshua Tilton of Madison, Wisconsin.

Beverly was preceded in death by her parents, William and Hazel Cope; her brother, Henderson Cope; and by her husband, John Lawrence Worrall, Jr., to whom she was married for 69 years.

The family is deeply grateful to the dedicated team at Golden Hearts Home Care in Shawnee for their compassion and care, as well as the caregivers who helped Beverly and Larry stay in their long-time home in Prairie Village as their health started to decline.

A private interment will be held at Leavenworth National Cemetery on Friday, June 26th.

Online condolences may be shared through McGilley Hoge Johnson County Memorial Chapel.www.mcgilleyhoge.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Great Plains SPCA.www.greatplainsspca.org