Beverly Ruth Byrd Willingham

Beverly Willingham
Beverly Willingham

Beverly Ruth Byrd Willingham, of Amarillo, TX passed away August 19, 2019.  Funeral services will be Thursday, August 22, 2019 at 10:30 a.m.at Boxwell Brothers Ivy Chapel, 2800 Paramount Boulevard, with Scott Talley and Dick Marcear officiating.

Born to Solon and Ruth Byrd on January 23, 1932, Beverly was a lifetime resident of Amarillo and a member of the Church of Christ. Beverly was the great-granddaughter of Francois and Elisabeth Brunel Chauveaux, Armstrong County pioneers who emigrated from St. Etienne, France in 1888 and homesteaded on the rim of the Palo Duro Canyon. One of Beverly’s favorite childhood memories was riding the train from Amarillo to Claude, TX to visit her grandparents and cousins.

After graduating from Amarillo High School in 1950, Beverly attended Colorado College where she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority.  She married Ronald L. Willingham on August 8,1954, and together they had two daughters, Robin Ann and Becky Sue.  Beverly loved being a homemaker and was actively involved in church and school activities.  She enjoyed traveling, especially to the Willingham cabin in New Mexico, where she would produce beautiful oil paintings inspired by local mountain landscapes.  She completed her college education at West Texas State University in 1981 and was an elementary teacher with Amarillo ISD for eleven years.

Beverly was preceded in death by her parents, Solon Cortez Byrd and Ruth Hood Byrd Bourland, and an infant sister, Solene Brunel Byrd.  She is survived by her daughters, Robin Willingham of Perryton, TX and Becky Willingham Johnson and husband Dave of Adrian, TX, two granddaughters, Elisabeth Johnson of Santa Fe, NM, and Anna-Rebecca Johnson of Adrian, TX, two grandsons, Jonathan Steed of New York City, NY, Benjamin Steed and wife Jennifer of Ft. Worth, TX, and two great-grandchildren.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the staff of Craig Senior Living and BSA Hospice for the compassionate comfort and care Beverly received during her final days.  In lieu of flowers, the family encourages contributions be made to Pepperdine Legacy Partners, Pepperdine University, 24255 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90263, (310) 506-4567.

8 Replies to “Beverly Ruth Byrd Willingham”

  1. Beverly was such a lovely and talented Christian woman.
    She hosted a quilt bridal shower for me and every time I look on the quilt, I think of Beverly Willingham.
    Love,
    Sandy McMurry Thomas

    1. So good to see you at Mother’s funeral. The girls love their “Aunt Sandy.” Thanks for your love and support always!
      Love,
      Becky

  2. God bless your dear family in this difficult time. You are a wonderful family and know you had a great upbringing. May God comfort you.

  3. Beverly was like my mom away from home. Bob and I were newlyweds in 1975 and Beverly and Ron took us under their wings. For me, The Christian Woman Course, Ron wrote, Beverly was the the living example of the women of the Bible. Such a talented Christian woman!!

  4. Mrs. Willingham was one of my Sunday school teachers at Central growing up. She helped form some of my Christian values & I appreciate she & Ron . I’m Morris Martins ‘s oldest daughter. My sympathy to your family .

    1. Thank you for your kind words, Cynthia. I remember you well as one of the teenagers we always looked up to!
      Love,
      Becky

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