Beverly F. D'Auria

1948-2024

Bev Dana, beloved wife, stepmother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend passed away peacefully on Friday, September 20, 2024, at Corso Atlanta. Her sense of dignity and compassion never diminished. She was 76 years old.

Bev was known for her beauty, vivacious spirit, social graces, love of adventure, discipline, and devotion to friends and family. She made everyone's life a little better. People gravitated to her warm smile, big blue eyes, and personal style.

With a good eye of her own, Bev, worked as an assistant to interior designer Jackye P. Lanham. Interior design and antiquing became a passion she shared with her husband, Mike. The thrill of combing cities and towns for hidden treasures was a hobby they both relished.

Looking for a new avenue to explore, and with her love of animals, Bev chose to become a breeder of Corgis, including several show champions. So devoted was she to the breed that she had a wrought iron Corgi atop her mailbox in Buckhead.

Never doing anything halfway, when Bev decided she wanted to be an artist—particularly of pet portraits—-she studied for over 13 years while perfecting her style. She did many of them for friends in the neighborhood. Bev was an active member of Ladies of the Lake, at the Duck Pond, as well as the neighborhood Book Club.

Beverly Kay Ferguson was born in Port Arthur, Texas on March 10, 1948, to Myrtle Lillian Murphy Ferguson and Lewis Hudson Ferguson, Jr. She spent her early years there until the family moved to Atlanta where she graduated from Sylvan High School. Bev was a good student and head cheerleader. She completed her education at Georgia State with a bachelor's degree in English.

In 1971, Bev converted to Catholicism when she married Michael J. D'Auria; they were members of the Cathedral of Christ the King. In September they celebrated their 53rd anniversary. She and Mike traveled widely. They often stayed visited New York City where they saw Mike's family and routinely went to plays and fine restaurants, as well as their favorite pizza places and museums. Italian food was a favorite and they made at least a dozen trips to Italy. At home, and at their house at Lake Lanier, Bev loved to cook; she and Mike enjoyed entertaining—always with a homemade pizza coming out of the oven.

Up until her diagnosis, Bev was always the picture of health. As Alzheimer’s progressed, her unwavering faith was a great comfort and solace to her. She had many adoring friends whose friendships sustained her throughout her life.

Bev is survived by her loving husband, Michael J. D'Auria and his son with whom she had a special relationship: Christopher (Gabrielle) D'Auria of Atlanta and Bev’s granddaughter, Mia. Her brother, Chip Ferguson (Dianne) of Marietta also survives her as do her nephew, Chad, and niece, Ami.

A private burial service was held for the family at Arlington Memorial Cemetery, Sandy Springs. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement Prevention Center at Cleveland Clinic, which focuses on research, education, prevention and advocacy: 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 or https://thewomensalzheimersmovement.org/