Beverly Jean (Hall) Severance

Beverly Jean (Hall) Severance, age 80, of Jefferson City, Missouri, passed away on Sunday, July 1, 2018, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on October 13, 1937 in Amsterdam, New York, the daughter of Ellis Eugene Hall Jr. and Elizabeth Audna Quigley. On August 22, 1959, she was united in marriage to Richard Severance in Schenectady, New York. Beverly graduated from Nott Terrace High School in Schenectady, New York in 1955. She attended Cornell University in Ithaca, New York where she met her husband Richard, and graduated in 1959 with a Bachelor of Arts in English. As a young mother of three, Beverly and her family moved to Nurnberg, Germany in 1969 where her husband was stationed. In Germany she discovered Volkssporting (organized walking). Beverly was a lifetime member of the American Volkssport Association, and in 1999 she accomplished her goal of completing an AVA sanctioned walk in all 50 states. While living in Redding, California, she helped establish the Redding Road Ramblers Volkssport Club and served as its secretary for many years. During the 30 years (1971-2002) that she lived in Redding, Beverly was active in many community organizations. She held multiple leadership positions in the Shasta Trinity Medical Society Auxiliary, including serving as president. She was an active member of the Docent Council of the Redding Museum of Art and History, where she served as president for one year and on the fundraising committee for many years. Supporting new mothers was an important cause for Beverly, as reflected in her co-founding the La Leche League of San Francisco in 1961. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family. She and Richard relocated to Jefferson City in 2003 to be closer to their grandchildren. She loved attending their many school activities, sporting events and celebrations. Bev also enjoyed traveling the world with her husband, family and friends. She treasured her lifelong friendships with several very special women: Sally Boyd, Susan Greaves, Joan Middlebrook, Juliette Peternick and Selma Symansky. Beverly was a very enthusiastic fan of San Francisco 49ers football and San Francisco Giants baseball and she enjoyed sharing this passion with her family. As a two-time winner of the local Oscar movie contest, her love of movies was lifelong, with East of Eden being her all-time favorite. In addition to her husband Richard, she is survived by their son, Michael (Gail) Severance of Jefferson City; two daughters, Susan King of St. Louis and Cathlin (Patrick) Morello of Jefferson City; six grandchildren, Kathlyn King, Nicholas King, Tyler (Sarah) Severance, Rachel Severance, Ellie Severance and Betsy Morello; one great-grandchild, Eleanor Severance; and one brother, Lon (Catherine) Hall of Vero Beach, Florida. Visitation will be held at the Houser-Millard Funeral Home on Saturday, July 21 beginning at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at 11:00 a.m. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Navajo Relief Fund, the Wounded Warrior Project or the Jefferson City Animal Shelter. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, Jefferson City, Missouri 65109; (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.millardfamilychapels.com