Beverly Jean McWilson

Beverly Jean McWilson, 84, of Jackson passed away surrounded by her family on Friday, November 29, 2024 at her home in Jackson. Beverly was born July 2, 1940, in Zalma, Missouri to the late Lawrence and Iva Mae Burklow James. She and Kenneth McWilson were married on February 13, 1960, in Las Vegas, Nevada. He preceded her in death on April 5, 2024. Beverly (also known as Bishie) grew up in Zalma, Missouri and also in Tunnel Hill, Illinois, one of eleven children. She is survived by three sons; Frederick Allan (Beverly Gohn) McWilson of Woodland Park, Colorado, Michael Ray (Kerri Allan) McWilson and Randal Lee (Amanda Pruitt) McWilson both of Jackson, Missouri; 10 grandchildren, Drew (Sierra) McWilson, Lance (Kristen) McWilson, Joshua (Cassandra) McWilson, Jordan (Joseph) Randol, Courtney (Wil) Linder, Kryston (Nick) Graning, Kathryn (Colten) Proffer, Ashton (Adam) Eastin, Chase McWilson, Levi McWilson and 21 great grandchildren; two brothers, Henry James of Goreville, Illinois and Harold (Jeanette) James of Marble Hill, Missouri and two sisters, Patricia Choate VanMatre of Effingham, Illinois and Charlotte “Jody” (Hal) Stanger of Santa Cruz, California along with many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband she was preceded in death by three brothers; Charles, Donald and William James and three sisters, Mary Rendleman-West, Martha Becker, and Shirley Brzowski. Beverly came to know Jesus as her Lord and Savior at a young age, and was a longtime member of the Jackson Gospel Chapel, often using her wonderful ability to play the piano by ear to aid her fellow Christians in worship. Besides being a dedicated mother, grandmother and wife, Bev wore many other hats over the years, including: legal secretary, Kansas telephone operator, business bookkeeper, office manager, and director of the El Nathan Nursing Care facility in Marble Hill for several years. She met the love of her life in Los Angeles in 1960 and they married on the day before Valentine’s Day of that same year. They moved to San Jose, California, where they raised their 3 sons. In 1979, Bev and Ken both quit their jobs, sold their home, and eventually transplanted the family to Jackson, Missouri. Bev helped her husband open his own car repair business (Ken’s Auto Repair), before she began working for several other companies in the area. She loved hospitality and friends and family were thrilled by her southern cooking and delicious desserts. She enjoyed traveling and cruises, having visited many states and national landmarks, including Hawaii, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Bev was a formidable Scrabble and Yahtzee player, and in years past enjoyed spending most warm-weather weekends on Wappapello and Kincaid Lakes with family and friends. She was well-known for her stylish and colorful clothes and jewelry that was always perfect for the occasion. A natural performer, Beverly regularly gathered to sing and play music with her many talented brothers and sisters. Visitation will be on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at Ford and Sons Funeral Home in Jackson, Missouri between 9-11 am. Funeral service will be at 11 am at Ford and Sons Funeral Home in Jackson with the Eric Michelsen officiating. Burial will be at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, Missouri at a later date. Memorials make take the form a contributions to: Turkey Hill Ranch Bible Camp. www.turkeyhillranch.com

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Beverly Jean McWilson

July 2, 1940 - November 29, 2024