Beverly Jean Hill Jackson drifted into eternal rest at her home, "Almost Heaven," in Louisa, on April 12, 2014 surrounded by her family. Born November 11, 1942 in Montgomery, WV, she was the first of six children of the late Theda and Ralph Hill. One brother, Ronald died when she was 13. She married "the love of her life," Lawrence (Larry) E. Jackson on December 24, 1963.

A graduate of East Bank High School in Kanawha County, WV,  she earned her Bachelor's degree in 1963 at West Virginia State College, now University (WVSU), and later a Master's in Education at Trenton State College, now College of New Jersey.

While her teaching career started in Cleveland, OH, it was in New Jersey's Public Schools that she excelled professionally not only as teacher, but received recognition and awards as curriculum specialist and elementary school principal. Two years later, retiring in 2000, she and Larry relocated to Louisa, VA.

Instilled with a love of God at an early age, she was a member of the St. John's Baptist Church in WV and First Baptist Church while living in NJ. Upon retiring to Louisa, she affiliated with Bright Hope Baptist Church and later joined Louisa Baptist Church.

Throughout her life, Beverly emulated the "Renaissance woman" with many talents and interests including rubberstamping, making original greeting cards, using the computer, dancing, reading, sewing, knitting, basket-weaving, RV camping, motorcycling, flower and vegetable gardening, hearth cooking, and community activitism.

In Jersey, Beverly held positions in Friends of the Library, Burlington County Human Relations Commission, and the Association of Elementary School Principals.

After "retiring" to Virginia, Beverly and Larry founded Citizens in Action Virginia, a non-profit 501(c) 3 organization with a thrust emphasizing dental care of children ( Citizens in Action for Dental Health ). She held offices in the Louisa Branch of the Association for the Study of African-American Life and History, the Charlottesville Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and the Interfraternal Council of Charlottesville. She was a founding member of the Red Hat Ladies of Deville. Beverly's volunteer activities included serving on the Elizabeth A. Nolting Foundation and the Santa Council of Louisa.

Passionate devotees of their college alma mater, the couple remained active lifelong members of the WVSU National Alumni Association, Inc. They served as avid recruiters seeking WSVU prospective students while providing significant financial funding and support for the school's improvement and scholarship efforts.

Beverly traveled extensively with Larry as a member of the Rolling Cousins Motorcycle Club and the Central Virginia Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club. She became an active member of the 9th and 10th (Horse) Cavalry Arthur W. Baker Sr. Memorial Chapter of the Buffalo Soldiers, an organization she and Larry founded in memory of a former Louisa County resident.

In 2011, Beverly was preceded in death by Larry, her husband of 48 years. Left to celebrate her life and accomplishments are children: Eric Franklin (Michelle) of Kentucky, Lawrence (Lonnie) Everett, Jr. and Lori Lynn, both of Louisa; grandchildren, Erica Jackson (KY), Jewell Watson (KY), and Nasir Jackson (Louisa); brothers, Ralph (Versie) Hill (WV) and Wesley (Brenda) Hill (WV); sisters, Karen Hill (WV) and Katherine Allen (NV); a brother-in-law, Thomas Jackson (NV).   Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends are also left to celebrate her life and cherish her memory.

Viewing will be held at the church on the day of the service from 11:30 a.m. until the service begins.

The funeral service, officiated by Dr. Larry G. Hoyle, will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 19 at Louisa Baptist Church, 305 E. Main St., Louisa. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to WVSUNAA.