Dr. Urias Harrison Beverly

Rev. Dr. Urias Harrison Beverly was born on November 20, 1941, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Rosa and Roy Beverly, Sr. He was the son of a Baptist minister and the grandson of a former slave, a heritage that deeply influenced his life of faith and service.

He was a proud graduate of Crispus Attucks High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Indianapolis, a Master of Science in Counseling from Butler University, and both a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Care and Counseling from Christian Theological Seminary.

Rev. Dr. Beverly proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1959 until 1962, as a paratrooper. Upon receiving his honorable discharge from the service, he returned home to begin his academic education and career.

Rev. Dr. Beverly faithfully served in ministry for decades, pastoring four congregations, including a United Methodist Church, a non-denominational church he founded, and an American Baptist Church, where he served as one of the first African American pastors in Livonia, Michigan. He also had the honor of receiving the key to the city of Livonia from former mayor Jack Kirksey in 2002. In addition to his parish ministry, he served as a hospital chaplain for 20 years and taught Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) for more than 40 years. He also served nationally as President of the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE). Most recently, he was Professor of Pastoral Care and Counseling and Director of the Doctor of Ministry program at Ecumenical Theological Seminary in Detroit.

He dedicated his life to teaching Clinical Pastoral Education across the globe — from nearby communities like Flint, Michigan, to distant continents such as Africa. His work touched the lives of spiritual leaders from diverse faiths and cultures, fostering understanding, compassion, and healing wherever he went.

An author as well as a pastor and educator, he published The Places You Go: Caring for Your Congregation from Monday to Saturday and Spiritual Alignment: From God to Eternity. Through his writing, teaching, and ministry, he touched countless lives with wisdom, compassion, and faith.

Urias and Billie met, married, and lovingly blended their families. Together, they were blessed with five children: Nia (Robert) of Tulsa, Dycus (Mykael) of Indianapolis, Nikki, CC, and Billiette of Redford. He also leaves behind twelve grandchildren Monique, Kaitlyn, David, Machelle, Aaliyah, Dylan, Jazmine, Jada (Javontae, Sr.), Jania, Jordan, Emir and Eli and nine great-grandchildren who were his pride and joy. Urias also leaves behind his sister-in-law, Airetta “Sunny”.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters: Vivian, Eunice, and Helen; and one brother, Roy Jr. He is survived by his brother Hosea (Monet), his sister, Alma, his wife Billie, his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a host of relatives, friends, colleagues, students, and parishioners.

Rev. Dr. Urias Harrison Beverly lived a life of faith, service, and love. His legacy will continue to live on in the many lives he touched.

A Funeral Service will take place at 11:00 am on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at Hartford Memorial Baptist Church, 18700 James Couzens Highway, Detroit, Michigan 48235. Rev. Dr. Beverly’s family will receive visitors at Church on Tuesday from 10:00 am until the time of the Funeral Service at 11:00 am. Military Honors and Committal Service will follow at 2:30 pm at Great Lakes National Cemetery, 4200 Belford Road, Holly, Michigan 48442. The family kindly requests any guests who would like to send flowers have them delivered on Tuesday morning to Hartford Memorial Baptist Church.