Beverly Jean Davis, 92

Beverly Jean Davis, 92, passed away peacefully Dec. 22, 2017, in her Las Vegas home surrounded by family. She succumbed to cancer.

Beverly was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa, to Jessie and Judith Bigelow. Beverly grew up in Council Bluffs as part of a railroad family. Throughout her youth she demonstrated excellence in academics, student government, drama, athletics, and — especially — music. She started singing in the adult choir at church at age 12. In high school she was a vital part of the award-winning a cappella choir and girls glee choir, accompanied the girls glee choir on piano, and sang in several operettas. Beverly graduated in 1942.

After a two-year stint working for Northwest Bell, Beverly enrolled in 1944 at the University of Omaha as a music major. She was consistently on the dean’s list, participated in the Women’s Chorus, accompanied vocal students, and performed as a soloist. She left the university after her junior year to marry Charles Davis on June 6, 1947. They moved to Iowa City, Iowa, so that Charles could complete his master’s degree in music. They were blessed with four children, sons Charles II, Randall and Nicholas, and daughter Candace. Beverly assumed the role of supportive mother and wife.

At the University of Iowa she sang in the university chorus and took voice lessons. In September 1952 the family moved to Pullman, Washington, where Charles took a position at Washington State University. In Pullman, Beverly managed households in three different homes — even while participating in the university chorus and several musicals. In August 1959 Charles accepted a position at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. After four years in Albuquerque, Charles accepted a position at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. In September 1963 the family motored up the Alaska Highway to Fairbanks to start a new life there.

Beverly immersed herself in the Fairbanks cultural scene. She did whatever was required to make events successful, whether that was piano accompaniment, participating in choral groups, being a featured mezzo-soprano soloist alongside William Warfield in Bach’s “St. John Passion,” or playing lead roles in light opera performances. She served on the board of the Fairbanks Concert Association, and was active in establishing the new Christ Lutheran Church in Fairbanks. She also worked full time at the Archives Department at the UAF Library.

After Charles retired in 1979, they searched for a retirement home. They settled on Summerlin Sun City in Las Vegas. That move was planned for the spring of 1993. Unfortunately Charles suffered a stroke shortly before the move. He was still in recovery when that move took place. Beverly managed the care of Charles and the construction of their new home. Sadly, Charles died March 5, 1994, and never spent a night in their new home. Beverly moved into her new home later that spring and resided there until her death.

She assisted in the establishment and construction of St. Andrew Lutheran Church and was active in the music ministry there. As of 2014, Beverly had been singing in church choirs for 77 years. She loved solo road trips, was an avid bingo fan and enjoyed the company of her many bingo buddies. She enjoyed being host to family and friends at her home. Beverly was always loving, self-sacrificing, supportive and caring. All who knew her were blessed to be in her presence.

Beverly was predeceased by her husband Charles, her parents Jessie and Judith Bigelow, her brother Phillip Bigelow, nephew Paul Bigelow, and granddaughter Wendy Conn.

She is survived by her sons, Charles (Marvilla) Davis, Randall (Vicki) Davis and Nicholas (Nancy) Davis; and daughter, Candace (Walter) Peterson. She is survived by five grandchildren, Tracy (Steve) Armstrong, Daniel (Farnoush) Davis, Jason Davis, Jessica Peterson and Charlie (Jana) Peterson; 10 great-grandchildren, Cassi Campbell, Colton Campbell, Trysten Armstrong, Tanner Armstrong, James (Arianna ) Schindler, Arya Davis, Kaya Peterson, Lane Peterson, Paige Peterson and Ty Walter Peterson. She is also survived by three great-great-grandchildren, James Armstrong, Maizie Schindler and Cleo Schindler. Beverly will be missed very much by family, friends , and others who knew her.

Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 26, at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 8901 Del Webb Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89134.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the “St. Andrew Lutheran Church Music Ministry” at the church address listed.