Beverly Ann Jessip

Beverly Ann (Robinson) Jessip was born February 28, 1932 in Grimes, Iowa to Otis Herman and Barna Enola Robinson and went to be with her Lord on March 23, 2020 in Grand Rapids, Michigan due to complications of an abdominal aortic thrombosis. As a young girl she moved to Des Moines where she attended Oak Park Elementary, Harding Junior High, and North High. She attended Central Bible College in Springfield, MO where she studied music and bible. Beverly loved Latin, History and English and was a voracious lifelong reader. One of her last outings the week before she fell ill, was to the library to check out 12 biographies of U.S. presidents as she prepared to be home as Covid 19 began to take hold in the U.S. A package arrived after her passing, another book she had ordered. She imparted that love of books to her children and grandchildren.

From the age of 6 years old Beverly committed her life to Jesus Christ and her strong Faith was the anchor throughout her life. Her grandfather Charles Robinson was one of the founding pastors of the Assemblies of God denomination in Hot Springs, Arkansas in 1914 and her father Otis can be seen as a young boy in the photos with his dad when the charter was signed. She spent her early adult years as a faithful pastor’s wife, playing piano, organ, and teaching Sunday school in churches they pastored in Iowa and Missouri. Beverly later was married to Elvon Jessip for 30 years and had a lifelong heart for ministry and missions, writing to and praying for prisoners and later continuing with her gift of music as a pianist and organist both at Harvest Chapel Assembly of God in Altoona, Iowa where her and Elvon assisted with the church plant, and as a widow in her retirement years at Full Life Gospel Church in Ozark, Missouri. All who were close to her knew that she was a prayer warrior her entire life, particularly for her children and grandchildren, but also for anyone she became aware was in need.

Beverly also worked as a printer in the composing room at the Des Moines Register and Tribune for 22 years. She was a typesetter, proofreader, ad builder, and did page make-up. Beverly typed 100 words a minute, could spell anything, which she would attribute to her love of Latin. She also had many years of experience as an executive secretary including Secretary to the VP of Inter-State Assurance Company. Beverly studied court reporting and did court reporting transcription. In addition, she had many hobbies including home decorating, gardening and quilting.

Beverly and Elvon had a pizza shop early in their marriage in Sioux City, IA and Beverly was a gifted baker. Throughout their marriage they did various catering events and loved entertaining. They were also avid gardeners and home decorators, doing interior decorating jobs and home restoration together. As a widow Beverly retired to Ozark, MO for 25 years near her daughters and mother, restored a historic home built in 1883, served on the Ozark Historic Preservation Commission, and her home was included in the historic home tour. Her love of gardening was appreciated by all who enjoyed her beautiful gardens. Her other passion was quilting. She was a member of quilt clubs for 45 years in Des Moines, Ozark and Grand Rapids, MI where she moved with her daughter, Sarah for the last 2 1/2 years of her life. She was a member of the Des Moines Quilt Guild, West Michigan Quilter’s Guild and American Quilter’s Society. Beverly was admired for her exquisite quilts, too numerous to count, well over 100, in addition to many other projects. She was passionate about charity quilting throughout her life including quilts for Ronald McDonald House, The Children’s Charity of Iowa, Easter Seals, and the Ozark Literary Club to raise money for scholarships just to name a few. Since moving to Michigan, she quilted a lap quilt for each of the 20 residents and staff at her daughter Deborah’s assisted living facility for their birthdays.

In her week of illness in the ICU, she impacted her doctors with her courageous spirit and her beautiful smile. She leaves dear friends old and new and her contagious laugh, sense of humor, and strength are remarked by all. She was preceded in death by her parents Otis and Enola Robinson, husband Elvon Jessip, and daughter Pamela Horinek. She is survived by her 4 children, Rebecca (Gerald) Miller, Springfield, Missouri; Deborah Fulton, Grand Rapids, Michigan; Rev. Kevin (Donna) Jessip, Venice, Florida; Sarah (Rev. John) Matias, Grand Rapids, Michigan; Sister Harriett Ramsey, Westlake Village, California; Grandchildren (her pride and joy) Jason Miller, Andrew (Wendy) Miller, Katie (Zane) Wilkinson, CPT Sophia (Albert) Archie, Gabriella Matias, Isabella Matias, and John Q. Matias. Great-grandchild Arie Wilkinson, and baby Archie due in August. She was laid to rest by McLaren’s Chapel, Mortuary & Cemetery in West Des Moines, Iowa next to Elvon. Memorial services will be at Ozark Full Gospel Church in Ozark, MO at a later date to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, donations by check or Givelify app can be made to Ozark Full Gospel Church, 3081 Selmore Rd, Ozark, MO 65721, to support their evangelism CD ministry. Please specify “in memory of Beverly Jessip” in the memo line.