Ann Elizabeth Beverly, known affectionately to so many as “Beth,” passed away peacefully on June 7, 2026, at Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene, Texas. She was 70 years old.
Born in Lansing, Michigan, on January 16, 1956, to Robert and Cathrine Morden, Beth grew up in Michigan alongside her brothers, Christopher and Jeffrey, and her sister, Jennifer. As a family, they made lasting memories sailing the Great Lakes in the summer, embracing the snow in the winter, and taking family vacations to Canada.
Beth graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in education, launching a passion for teaching in special education. It was during her college years that she married her former late husband, John Thackrey of Ann Arbor. His career in geology eventually brought them to Midland, Texas, where Beth dedicated herself to her students—first at Carver Elementary and later at Midland High School.
Life opened a beautiful new chapter when she crossed paths with the love of her life, John Beverly. The two met through Boy Scouts events that both of their children had attended. They married and seamlessly blended their families on June 14, 1991. After 18 years of teaching with the Midland Independent School District, Beth transitioned to working alongside her husband, John, helping run his business, Delta-Tech Automation, until their retirement in 2019.
As their children grew up, the family cherished summers spent at their lake house in Colorado City, Texas. Beth never seemed to be too far from the water, so it was only fitting that she and John retired to a lake house on Lake Leon in Eastland, Texas.
Beth was a fiercely independent woman who brought joy and thoughtfulness to everyone around her. She loved gardening (even when battling the stubborn Texas heat), cooking (her family will deeply miss her Chinese dishes), and spending holidays with those she loved. She was an avid fisherwoman, always trying to catch “Walter,” and was famous for jumping into the lake at any given moment.
Beth was comforted in her final days by her husband, and her best friend (and partner in crime), Dena Reno.
Beth is survived by her devoted husband, John Beverly; her brothers, Chris and Jeff Morden; her sister, Jennifer Morden; and her children, Thomas, Jesse, Kevin, and Meghan. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jamison, Liam, and Luke; her brother-in-law, Bryan and sister-in-law Cynde; and her sister-in-law, Patti and brother-in-law Tim.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society. Arrangements are entrusted to Edwards Funeral Home, Eastland, Tx.
