Beverly Jean Beckham

Beverly Jean Beckham (Ferea) entered this world on April 30, 1940, she was born in California to Jaquin Dutra Ferea and Rita (Padia). She passed away Saturday, September 27, 2025, in the loving embrace of her daughters, Cherree Phillips and Veronica Robins. Though dementia dimmed her days, it could never shadow the light of her spirit. Beverly’s final chapter closed peacefully, wrapped in love and grace.

Beverly was tirelessly and meticulously cared for by her daughter, Cherree, until her final breath—receiving the royal treatment she always suspected she was destined for. From the fluffiest pillows to the fanciest snacks, Queen Beverly reigned supreme, and Cherree made sure her crown never slipped.

Beverly was immensely proud of her Portuguese heritage that traced back to the Azores Islands and stood firm on it with unwavering pride—even as her family lovingly teased her about the hints of Mexican descent we all knew were there. And with a touch of irony, her greatest culinary love was Italian food, proving that Beverly’s heart (and appetite) knew no borders.

Beverly was an enthusiastic Navy wife, always finding joy in her adventures with her late husband, Reynolds Hugh Beckham Sr. Together, they created a life full of excitement—even adopting a few monkeys during their time overseas. After many years of dedicated service, Beverly retired from Whirlpool. Beverly married Reyn in Monterey, California where she also became a mother to three of her five children, Reynolds (Beck), Robert (Robbie), and Crystal. They later moved to The Philippines where they gave birth to their fourth child, Cherree (Sherry). At the end of Reyn’s Navy career they lived in Beaumont, Texas where they completed their family by adding the final blessing of their lives, Veronica.

Beverly once served as an etiquette teacher to Navy wives, gracefully instructing on the finer points of ladylike behavior. She firmly believed a true lady should never reveal her age, her real hair color, or the whereabouts of her chocolate stash—and Beverly carried that philosophy like gospel. Unless of course, you asked about the first two, in which case she was happy to share her chocolates to shut you up.

Sadly, Beverly lost her husband Reyn in 1984. She later found love and companionship in George (Jack) Smith. He cured a broken heart and stepped into the role of showing great love and care for her 3 young daughters and later every single one of her grandchildren. Jack (Grandpa), did his best to fill a hole and show his love through the years until Beverly ultimately lost him in 2023.

Beverly was full of life and adventure, whether planning large family trips to the shows in Branson, hosting holiday celebrations, throwing spontaneous carnivals for her grandchildren, or staying up all night cross-stitching and watching I Love Lucy reruns with her granddaughters. Beverly had a way of convincing her family to join in her plans, often with the claim that “it was on the National News” and must be done at once.

Beverly was convinced her grandchildren were destined to be professional golfers, so every summer—despite their pleas, bargains, and promises of good behavior—she proudly signed them up for golf club. Every grandchild, that is, except for Clint (Baby Hueghy) … who somehow always managed to get lucky and slip by Grandma’s master plan.

A meticulous seamstress famously known for not finishing her projects, a talented baker, and a dreamer who longed to be a painter, Beverly’s creativity touched everything she did. In her honor, her granddaughter will lovingly complete one of her unfinished paintings by adding the cow Beverly always insisted belonged there. Her grandchildren will treasure the Halloween costumes she managed to finish for years to come.

Beverly was a devout Catholic with a deep love for Christ and His Mother. Her greatest wish in life was for her family to come into the Catholic faith and to live in peace and love within His true Church.

She is survived by her cherished daughters, Cherree Phillips and Veronica Robins, her beloved son-in-law Lonnie Robins Sr—whose beautiful blue eyes she always adored—and two daughters-in-law, Betty Beckham and Machelle Beckham. Beverly was the proud grandmother of eleven, although she was rarely proud of their birth names and took it upon herself to famously rename them as she seen fit: Dakota (Cody) Beckham (Caitlin), Monica (MistyRay) Steiner (Tim), Ashley (Shancie- Miss America) Dixon (Joseph), Lonnie (Pooter Brown) Robins Jr. (Shyann), Trevor (Trevorkin) Phillips, Clint (Baby Hueghy) McKee (Mandi), Jessica (Grace - Pouty Baby) Beckham, Raybecca (Becky) Beckham, Taylor (Tator) Beckham, Torrie (Torriecakes) Abshire, and Reynolds (Hambone-Reynie) Hugh Beckham III (Madyson). She also treasured her six grandchildren-in-law and was overjoyed to welcome 21 great-grandchildren, who became the shining stars of her later years: Dyllon (Booger Butt) Dixon, Devon (Thumper) Dixon, Dayton (Fat Head) Dixon, Natalie Skinner, Ellie Beckham, Julianna Beckham, Ethan Beckham, Ryan Beckham, Mia (Meme) Webster, Kiah (Kiki) Abshire, Rya (Ryry) Abshire, Shane (Shaner) McGehee, Peyton (Little Portagee) Robins, Charly (Bellbell) Robins, Lonnie (Baby Bubba) Dale Robins III, Reynolds Hugh Beckham IV, Madelyn Steiner, Quinn Steiner, Aries Reyn Killian Pena, Yvette (Little Crystal) McKee, RaeLynn Jewel McKee.

Beverly is also survived by her wonderful step-children/grandchildren/great-grandchildren that Jack brought into her life. Ramon Favela, Tim Smith (Valerie), Tanner Favela, Trevan Favela, Joshua Smith (Stephanie), Whitney Smith, Kaleb Smith, Kyron Smith, Kooper Smith, Karter Smith, Kortlan Smith and Aleiyah Means.

Beverly is preceded in death by the love of her life, Reynolds Hugh Beckham Sr. (1984), and her longtime companion, George Jack Smith (2023). She is now reunited with her beloved children, Reynolds Hugh Beckham Jr., Robert Wayne Beckham, and Crystal Yvette McKee, along with Crystal’s husband, Gary McKee and her stepson, Scott Smith and stepdaughter, Lisa Favela.

While our hearts are broken by our loss, we rejoice in the certainty of Beverly’s faith and love for our Lord. We look forward to the day we will once again share her delicious desserts, watch “I Love Lucy” reruns, and wonder what surprise costume she’ll greet us in.

Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at Edward Van-Alma Funeral Home with cremation to follow, under the direction of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home of Van Buren, AR.

The family will visit with friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home, 4100 Alma Highway, Van Buren, AR.