Beverley Jean Lewis, 77, of Marissa, Illinois, passed from this life and gained her eternal reward in Heaven on June 9, 2023. She was devoted to Jesus, her family and her hometown all the days of her life.
Born October 2, 1945 to Earl and Marie Harriman, Beverley grew up in Marissa and was only away during the summers when her daddy played baseball. She was a twirler and sang in the school choir and enjoyed spending time with her best friend/cousin, Sherry (Neal) Swyers. She met the love of her life when she was just 14 and never left his side.
Beverley graduated from Marissa Township High School in 1963 and just a few days later married Stanley Spencer Lewis of Marissa on June 1, 1963. They would go on to build a life together in Marissa, raising four children, renovating a home on Main Street where they lived next door to life-long neighbors/friends Bob and Barb Lowe and Sue and Jim Derwort. Stan and Bev served their community, took care of their aging parents and eventually celebrated 60 years of marriage together on June 1, 2023.
Beverley was proud to be a firefighter’s wife and served with Stan from 1979 to 1986 as an EMT for the Marissa Ambulance Service. She also worked as an EMT/Aid from 1979 to 1984 at Sparta Community Hospital. She was an active member of the Marissa Methodist Church, serving as a Sunday School teacher and youth group leader.
Bev built a life around her family, and although she and Stan moved to Marion and Lake Egypt for a brief spell, she was happiest when they returned to Marissa to settle down in retirement. Her greatest joy was being Stan’s wife and living her life devoted to her kids and grandkids. Family meant everything to Bev and the only thing more important to her in life was her relationship with Jesus Christ. She spent many days confined at home but, as a believer, used that time to connect on Facebook, text those she loved at all hours of the day and pray consistently for others.
Beverley experienced significant pain and illness in life, but never let it come before her faith, family and friends. She loved her country and was especially proud of those in her family who served in the US military. As a devout Christian, Beverley, if she knew you, most definitely prayed fervently for you throughout her life. She never stopped longing for everyone to simply love one another and find reconciliation in relationships. She was a devoted daughter, granddaughter, sister and aunt and was especially proud to be a part of the Harriman-Lewis families.
Beverley was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Marie Harriman; Stan’s parents, Clyde and Helen Lewis; grandparents John and Mary Kelly and Robert “Red” and Dicie Anna Harriman, Stan’s grandparents Monroe and Selena Wallace; brother and sister-in-love Norman “Butch” and Becky Harriman, brother-in-love Bill Coulson, beloved Aunt Doris (Duck) and Uncle Norman (Hoot) Harriman, nephew Darin Harriman, great niece, Jamie Marie Coulson and great nephews Brendon Earl Harriman and Ryder Brooks Lewis.
Survivors include her husband of 60 years, Stanley Lewis; four children Stanley Scott Lewis, Julie Kay (Scott) Thannum, Dale-Lee Earl (Melinda) Lewis and Susan Marie (Bill) Juenger; 18 grandchildren and 10 bonus grandchildren: Derrick (Emma) Lewis; Thomas Lewis, Samantha (Justin) Forsythe, Joshua (Candice) Lewis, Riley (Josh) Olson, Curtis Lewis, Jacob (Adriana) Lewis, Megan (Parker) Anderson, Maddie Thannum, Alexandra (Drew) Hankins, Douglas (Misty) Lewis, Lillian Lewis (Nick Fogle), Molly Lewis (Nick Clifford), Cameron Juenger, Ryan Juenger, Kaylee Juenger, Jackson Thannum and Emily Lewis; as well as 14 great grandchildren: Bradlee Lehman, Chase Lehman, Connor Riddle, Jayden Riddle, Erza Lewis, Eleanor Anderson, Piper Olson, Archer Lewis, Jessie Lewis, Antonio Lewis, Ezekiel Hankins, Lucas Hankins, James Fogle, and Raven Lewis.
Beverley is also survived by sister Earlene Coulson, brother Jerry and sister-in-love Gena Harriman, brother-in-love Bradley and sister-in-love Peggy Lewis, dear cousins Robbie (Charlotte) Harriman and Norman (Karen) Harriman and 18 nieces and nephews: Dennis (Robin) Coulson, Tracy (Marc) McClintock; Mike Coulson, Kelly (Muke) Luecking, Patrick (Elizabeth) Coulson, Tim Coulson, Chris (Marcie) Lewis, Wendy (Eric) Borrenpohl, Andy (Katherine) Lewis and John (Amber) Harriman. She was also a wonderful aunt to many great nieces, nephews and their children.
If you ever married or dated a member of her family, you immediately became accepted and loved as family by Beverley. She was known as “Grandma Bev” and “Aunt Bev” to countless children who benefitted from her in-home care and genuine love and acceptance. They grew into adults and still consider her their family, which brought Bev much happiness.
With equal measures of stubbornness and softness, Beverley Jean fought the good fight and told Stan before she died that she knew where she was going and would be waiting for him. No doubt the reunion in Heaven with her Savior and loved ones was her long-awaited, promised reward.
Visitation with the family will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 17 at the Marissa Methodist Church.
A Celebration of Life service will be held for Beverley at 1 p.m. June 17, also at the church. A short graveside service at the Marissa Cemetery will be followed by a family meal at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Marissa Methodist Church, the Marissa Fire Department and/or the City of Marissa benefiting the community’s first responders, many of whom showed compassion and care for Beverley throughout her long battle with illness.
Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in Marissa, IL is in charge of arrangements.
My sympathy to the family. Oh, I remember Beverly’s grandmother the wonderful Mary Kelly as I worked with her at Sam’s Café, when I was in high school. The first night I worked, she put her arm around me and said “You’ll be fine, as I’ll teach you everything you need to know.”
ReplySorry Stan and kids fir your loss. Bev also had words of encouragement to everyone. She is greatly loved and missed.
ReplySo sorry for your loss.
May your family comfort you during these difficult times.
We are so sad to hear of your loss Stan. She was a remarkable
Lady! A previous neighbor, and friend. R.I.P
Stan, so sorry for your loss. Bev was so great to share news from Marissa with me. We tried to get together my last time badk but she had to babysit. Will keep you all in my prayers.
ReplyStan, children, grandchildren, brother, sister Earlene, and family: we where so sorry for you loss.
Losing a wife, a Mother, or Grandmother is one of the deepest sorrows a heart can know. So sorry we will not be able to attend your Celebration of life, but know we are with you in spirit.
No one knew her like you. No one loved her like you. Her love will never leave you— Memories of her will bless you always.
Our Deepest Sympathy
Connie and Ed
Stan
I just heard about my friend Bev. Everytime that I came back to my hometown you two invited me to come over to see you. Years went by and still you offered your friendship. Carolyn Leemon Wieland
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Stan
I just heard about my friend Bev. Everytime that I came back to my hometown you two invited me to come over to see you. Years went by and still you offered your friendship. Carolyn Leemon Wieland
Stan, children, grandchildren, brother, sister Earlene, and family: we where so sorry for you loss.
Losing a wife, a Mother, or Grandmother is one of the deepest sorrows a heart can know. So sorry we will not be able to attend your Celebration of life, but know we are with you in spirit.
No one knew her like you. No one loved her like you. Her love will never leave you— Memories of her will bless you always.
Our Deepest Sympathy
Connie and Ed
Stan, so sorry for your loss. Bev was so great to share news from Marissa with me. We tried to get together my last time badk but she had to babysit. Will keep you all in my prayers.
We are so sad to hear of your loss Stan. She was a remarkable
Lady! A previous neighbor, and friend. R.I.P
So sorry for your loss.
May your family comfort you during these difficult times.
Sorry Stan and kids fir your loss. Bev also had words of encouragement to everyone. She is greatly loved and missed.
My sympathy to the family. Oh, I remember Beverly’s grandmother the wonderful Mary Kelly as I worked with her at Sam’s Café, when I was in high school. The first night I worked, she put her arm around me and said “You’ll be fine, as I’ll teach you everything you need to know.”