Mary Elizabeth Beverly

Mary Elizabeth Beverly, born on July 30, 1939, in Winston Salem, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 11, 2024, surrounded by family after a brave battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Elizabeth lived a life marked by love, dedication, and vibrant energy. Her greatest dream of motherhood came true early on when she was blessed with four daughters who became the center of her world. Though her title was homemaker, Elizabeth’s life was filled with many passions and accomplishments.

Always embracing life with joy, Elizabeth was an avid square dancer and even took up disco dancing. She volunteered as a Candy Striper at Lonesome Pine Hospital, worked in political offices in Big Stone Gap, Va, and played bridge weekly. In her 40s, she pursued higher education and earned top academic honors at Mountain Empire Community College, receiving a business degree that she was immensely proud of. After moving to Knoxville, Tennessee in the 1980s, she worked at the magazine, television and book publishing firm Whittle Communications. Always one to exercise, she developed a passion for tennis and played weekly. Elizabeth also took great pride in her cooking, fastidious housekeeping, and gardening.

Elizabeth and her husband of 31 years, Creed, shared an interest in the South, often visiting historical sites and taking scenic tours of Kentucky’s horse farms. They were also devoted Tennessee Vols fans, holding season tickets and cheering on their team with pride. Their Meridian Baptist Church Sunday School family was a cherished part of their lives, and they enjoyed many fun-filled afternoons lunching, taking bus adventures, exploring local attractions and making lifelong memories together. Early in 2021, after moving to Kingsport, Tennessee to be closer to family, Elizabeth found a new community of faith at First Broad Street United Methodist Church.

Known for her intelligence, timeless beauty, and impeccable sense of style, Elizabeth radiated love and warmth. Her infectious smile and affectionate phrases— “I love you with all my heart,” “hey darling,” “sweet pea,” and “pumpkin”—touched the lives of everyone she met. She cared deeply about others and was always interested in their lives. Her fierce love of family was unmatched. Even as her memories faded in recent years, the family dinner blessing, music, and the Lord’s Prayer remained constant in her mind and heart.

Elizabeth is preceded in death by her parents, Mary Wilmoth and Homer Dean Thomerson; beloved daughter, Karen Glass; sister Linda Fleming; and her brother, Dean Thomerson. 

She is survived by her devoted husband, Creed Beverly; daughters, Lynne (Tony) Peaks, Sharon (Henry Gonzalez) Browder, and Lisa (Bill) Daves; stepdaughter, Justin (Allen) Mullins; brother, David (Judy) Thomerson; brother-in-law, Ralph Fleming, sister-in-law, Doris Thomerson; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful caregivers, the home health services of Care Central, Brighter Days, and SunCrest Hospice who provided Elizabeth with extraordinary care and compassion. Your love and support have meant the world to us, and we consider you part of our family.

Receiving of friends will be held at First Broad Street United Methodist Church, 100 E. Church Circle, Kingsport, TN on Sunday, October 20, 2024 from 1:30pm to 2:30pm with a celebration of life immediately following, with Minister Joy Eastridge officiating. 

To honor Elizabeth’s bright smile, sweet laugh, loving heart, and joyful spirit, we invite you to wear something colorful and bright as we celebrate her beautiful life.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in memory of Elizabeth’s daughter, Karen Glass, to the Duke Center for Brain Cancer or to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Visit www.hamlettdobson.com to leave online condolences.