Beverly Ann Matthews was born June 13, 1938, in Milwaukee, WI and was called home to heaven by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on December 21, 2024.

She is survived by her brother Larry Beckley, daughter Reba (Rickey Johnson), sons Jeffery (Renee), and Paul. Grandchildren: Aaron (Lisa), Alondo, Riane, Travis, Jackson, and Amyah. Great grandchildren: Kadir, Bo, Jada, Zamyia, Layna, Messiah, Jayden and Caprice.

Beverly is preceded in death by her husband Frederick A. Matthews, father Charles Beckley, mother Vera Beckley, and sister Valencia Beckley.

Beverly attended Lincoln High School in Milwaukee, WI where she was the first African American homecoming queen. She spent 36 years working for the City of Milwaukee. She began her career working in the public library and then worked as an administrative assistant in the city attorneys’ office until her retirement in 2002.

She loved the holidays and being with family, enjoyed listening and dancing to some smooth R&B music, and lived by the motto, a bowl of ice cream a day can't hurt. Mostly she loved taking care of her family. No matter who or how many friends we brought home, they had a place to lay their head and as much food as they could eat (her fried chicken was the absolute best).

When things were chaotic, she held us together, making every sacrifice and always putting herself second. All she ever wanted was her family to be o.k.

“Weep Not for Me”  

Weep not for me though I have gone Into that gentle night

Grieve if you will, but not for long

Upon my soul’s sweet flight

I am at peace, my soul’s at rest

There is no need for tears

For with your love I was so blessed

For all those many years

There is no pain, I suffer not

The fear is now all gone

Put now these things out of your thoughts

In your memory I live on

Remember not my fight for breath

Remember not the strife Please do not dwell upon my death

But celebrate my life

While our hearts are heavy with the sadness of her passing, we take comfort and joy knowing she will be received into God’s kingdom where she will know peace for all eternity.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, please donate to the…“Alzheimer’s Association”

Just go to act.alz.org and click on the green donate button in the upper right-hand corner.