Ethelee Hale Beverly

       Ethelee Hale Beverly Passed away peacefully on May 26, 2024 at the age of 99. She was born November 11, 1924 to Hattie and Edgar Hale in Little Rock , Arkansas where she spent most of her life. Ethelee showed a talent for dance and eventually taught and performed ballet in the Little Rock area. She carried this love for plays and dance her whole life and influenced her children to love these arts as well.   

            Next were the WW2 years. In 1943 Ethelee became a dental assistant at Camp Robinson in North Little Rock where she met Lt. Tom Beverly from Hattiesburg, Mississippi. She told us he was “The most handsome lieutenant I had ever seen.” They courted long distance as he was deployed to the Pacific Philippines. Deeply in love, they married on November 27, 1946 and remained so until Tom’s passing in 2016- almost 70 years together. 

            Three children were born. Terry,(1948), Tanya, (1951), and Teija, (1953). Ethelee went to work raising the children and remodeling(frequently) the home, while Tom went to work for Wassell Brothers Food Brokers, (later, Tom Beverly & Associates Playground Design). Tom and Ethelee and family were active in Westover Hills Presbyterian Church in Little Rock.  Ethelee eventually became a board member of the Presbyterian church camp, Ferncliff. 

             They had a typical 1950’s-60’s homelife with cats and dogs and ducks, a monkey, a Guiney pig, and all types of animals- school and camp and bicycles, friends, and homemade fun. She helped her children pursue their talents- singing, dancing, technology, community service and more. Vacations were camping and swimming and visiting family.  Ethelee was up for all of it, creating a home by cooking, sewing , cleaning, organizing, loving and laughing. She always modeled a tough, competent spirit for her family. 

            With her family grown, Ethelee went back to school in the 1970’s at UALR, completing her Bachelor’s Degree in Education and Master’s Degree in Library Science. She became a librarian in the Holy Souls Catholic School and later St. Theresa’s Catholic School where she also taught gifted and talented classes. She loved every minute of working with children.

            By now, Teija and Tanya had married, and Terry had been lost to an accident in 1981. In 1986, Tom sold his business and “retired”. He and Ethelee decided to move to Hot Springs Village, Arkansas. Ethelee substituted in the Jessieville Schools nearby and they joined The Kirk in the Pines Presbyterian Church. They hosted many fish frys and parties, enjoyed the Scottish heritage  ceremonies and eventually became church elders. They helped to found the sister church Woodlands, before returning home to The Kirk. 

            Ethelee loved playing the piano and had always wanted to learn to play the flute. So, at the age of 75 she took flute lessons, and joined the Hot Springs Community Concert Band. Here, she had so much fun and made so many friends, making music together in the Hot Springs area. Band was a gift she gave to herself just for the fun of it. 

             In the Village, Ethelee also became active in her DAR Chapter, becoming an officer and coordinating speakers and guests for her local meetings. She loved American History and shared her interest with her daughters. 

             Ethelee was always loved the company of babies and children. So grandchildren of her own was her favorite bonus in life. Rocking a little one or sponsoring adventures, visits and trips became her genuine joy. Grandma or Maw, she loved the names and the laughter that occurred in their company. She lived for their hugs.

            When asked on her 96^th birthday, what she did right to get there, she replied, “I married the right man.” She added “I had those precious girls, and I still miss Terry. I’ve been blessed…I’ve had a good life. The Sun always comes up in the morning.”

Ethelee was preceded in death by her parents, a brother Edgar Hale, her son Terrance West Beverly, son-in-law, Reverend Johnny Joe Jackson, Jr.

            She is survived by her two daughters: Tanya and Teija. 

Their families are : 

Tanya Beverly Jackson of Arkadelphia, Arkansas-her children Jerusalem Jackson Greer and her spouse Nathan Greer of London, Ohio. Their children-, Wylie Greer and his partner Elliot Kemp of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania,  and Miles Greer of Petit Jean, Arkansas, and Conner Fearing of West Chester, NY.  

Josh Jackson of Bryant, Arkansas and his spouse Jessie Jackson. Their children Lucas and Juliana Holley. 

Jemimah Sandifer and her spouse Adam Sandifer, of Camden, Arkansas. Their children, Jackson, Trent, and Marylee Sandifer of Camden.  

Judea Jackson Robbinet and her spouse Holt Robbinet of North Little Rock, Arkansas. 

Teija Beverly Nelson and her spouse, Gene Nelson III of Fort Smith, Arkansas. Their children Gene Nelson IV of New York, Ny., Thomas Caperton Nelson of Fayetteville, Arkansas.  

A graveside service will be held Thursday, June 6, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. at the Little Rock National Cemetery.   

Services by Smith Family Funeral Home/Ruggles Wilcox Chapel, 517 Clay Street, Arkadelphia, Arkansas 71923.