Beverly Ann McKey, age 71, a resident of Irving for 45 years, died peacefully Tuesday, January 22, 2019. Beverly was born June 6, 1947 in Kerens, Texas and she was the daughter of the late Horace Henry Collins and Louise Adams Collins. Her parents were hard working people, right through the "Great Depression" who retired, respectfully from the city of Corsicana and the local glove factory. Its no wonder where Beverly got her "never give up" spirit. She grew up and graduated from high school in Corsicana, Texas and later attended Navarro Junior College. She married her high school sweetheart Jerry Wayne McKey on March 24, 1967 and would have celebrated 52 years of marriage this March. She worked as a former executive secretary all while taking care of her family and worshiping actively as a member of Belt Line Road Church of Christ in Irving. Beverly was preceded in death by her parents and her elder sister Barbara Tapley. She is survived by her loving husband, Jerry of Irving; son, Jay McKey and wife Irene of Denton TX; daughter, Melissa A. Allen and husband Darrell of Irving TX; and six beautiful and talented grandchildren, Meagan, Rose and Mia McKey, and Nathan, Scot, and Kayla Allen. Beverly loved her family deeply and there was no greater joy to her than her grandchildren. It was not uncommon to hear her bragging about one thing or another that her grandchildren were doing or accomplishing, they were the light of her life. Beverly was a true child of God in every way and that was evident from the support she gave her family to the outpouring of her spirit throughout her life. Jerry and Beverly opened their home early in their marriage to several foster boys and girls due to their overwhelming love for these children. She was active as well in ensuring her children were involved in activities such as cub scouts, brownies, soccer and music lessons such as piano and later jr. high and high school band. She was a loving support and partner to her husband Jerry, supporting him through the good and challenging times and he to her through her medical wins and challenges, which she always handled with a positive attitude and a smile. You would be hard pressed to find Beverly without a smile and kind word even when she was struggling physically. She was an active member of her church, where she was a Sunday school teacher for over 40 years where she impacted several generations of children teaching the loving spirit of God our Savior. She was also active in the Stuffed Bear project where stuffed bears were assembled and distributed to hospital ER patience and in the clinics where blood was drawn primarily for children. If this wasnt enough, she was the yearly coordinator of her churches "Ladys Half Day" which she took up the mantle for on behalf of our beloved sister Joann Hatch who pioneered this yearly event. She artfully gathered women from around the DFW area for a day of motivational speakers to uplift and motivate woman in the church. Beverly loved her church family and despite her own medical challenges she, with her husband Jerry would still take time to visit church family in the hospital or nursing home in their own home, sometimes preparing meals or dropping off an encouraging card and a warm wish of wellbeing. She truly was one of the most selfless people many of us have come to know. Her children speak fondly of her as a mother, sharing stories of home cooked meals, caring for them through sickness, braces, teenage angst, and mostly the encouragement she gave for them to follow their dreams and passions and talents all while letting the light of Christ show through everything they did. She could be loved by no one more than her high school sweetheart, Jerry W. McKey and you could see it in sickness or health, in times of great joy or through the tears of the most recent loss. Jerry was her number one fan, friend and life partner who made it obvious that there was nothing he wouldnt do for her. They particularly loved vacationing with their children and together, most of that was done in Cassville Missouri at Roaring River State Park which was also the favorite spot of her parents during their life time. Jerry and Beverly were married 51 happy years and, as stated above, would be 52 years this March 24th before going home to be with her Savior. The family will receive friends 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Friday, January 25, 2019 at Donnelly's Colonial Funeral Home, 606 West Airport Freeway in Irving. The funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday at Beltline Road Church of Christ, 1202 North Beltline, Irving, TX. Burial will be at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Hamilton-Beeman Cemetery 700 West Farm Road 2555, Corsicana, TX 75110 SERVICES

Visitation

Friday, January 25, 2019 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Donnelly's Colonial Funeral Home 606 West Airport Freeway Irving, Texas 75062

Funeral Service

Saturday, January 26, 2019 10:00 AM

Beltline Road Church of Christ 1202 N. Beltline Road Irving, TX

Committal Service

Saturday, January 26, 2019 2:30 PM

Hamilton-Beeman Cemetery 700 West Farm Road 2555 Corsicana, Texas 75110