Beverly Watson

Beverly J. (Evans) Watson, age 92, of New Philadelphia, died peacefully, on Monday, September 18, 2023, while under the care of Crossroads Hospice while in Country Club Retirement Center at Dover.

Born in Steubenville, Ohio on November 19, 1930, Beverly was the oldest of 12 children born to the late Edward L. and Charlotte M. Monroe Evans.

A graduate of New Philadelphia High School, Beverly began her first job at Newberry’s in New Philadelphia. She soon married the love of her life, Earl L. Watson, on June 14, 1953, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church. Together the couple raised four children and shared in 58 years of marriage prior to his passing in 2011. In her younger years, while raising her family, Beverly became a homemaker and later worked as a secretary and bookkeeper for the former Shenango Penn Mold, Marr, Knapp and Crawfis, and Capitol/Beitner Tire companies.

Beverly had a deep faith in the Lord and was a diligent prayer warrior throughout her lifetime, and was known to quote one of her favorite Bible passages, “We live by faith, not by sight.” – 2nd Corinthians 5:7. She read her devotions and Bible daily and carried her Bible under the seat of her walker until she was no longer physically able to walk. Never missing an opportunity to share the Gospel with anyone willing to engage in conversation, Beverly often shared her favorite passage, John 3:16, and quoted frequently from her favorite book, Psalms. Beverly loved using the tagline: Believe, Belong, Become! She certainly lived a Christ-centered life with Jesus as her Lord and Savior.

Beverly shared her wisdom as a Sunday School Teacher at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, served as a former Girls Scout Leader, and was a member of the Rejoice Women’s Group at Grace Lutheran Church. Her other activities included being active in various bowling teams and card clubs, serving as the Past President of the Democratic Women, and the Past President of the Federated Democratic Women. Additionally, Beverly loved music, dancing, and anything, Elvis. She also enjoyed time spent at the lake, boating and swimming, and any activity that involved being around her family.

She will be deeply missed by her children, Robin (Patsy Simmers) Watson of New Philadelphia Laura Yockey of Cleveland, and Christee (Mark) Starinieri of Canton; six grandchildren, Zachary Yockey, Nicholas (Maggie) Watson, Kyla Starinieri, Jamie (Mike Monroe) Yockey, Kory Starinieri, and Brett (Hanna) Yockey, nine great-grandchildren; her siblings, Donna Gardner, Nancy Seabrook, Marie Reymond, Charles Evans, Robert (Sandee) Evans, Irene Aubihl, and Edward (Marylou) Evans, a brother-in-law, Al Rodd; a sister-in-law, Wendy Evans, and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members.

In addition to her parents and husband, Beverly was preceded in death by her son, Thomas Watson, and her siblings, Charlotte Rodd, Ruthie Karen Evans, Alan Evans, and Daniel Evans.

The family will greet guests on Monday, September 25, 2023, from 10 – 11 AM in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover where Pastor Rob Eller will lead a service celebrating Beverly’s life at 11 AM. Burial will follow in the Ridgecrest Memory Gardens at Dover. A meal and fellowship will follow the services in the Hospitality Room of the Dover Geib Center.

Memorial Contributions in Beverly’s name may be made to Emmanuel Lutheran Church 202 East High Avenue, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663, or to Crossroads Hospice Charitable Foundation 10810 E. 45th Street, Suite 300, Tulsa, Oklahoma, 74146.