Beverly Shivers Sweeney's Obituary
Beverly Shivers Sweeney died January 6, 2020 at the age of 91. She was born in Memphis, Tennessee to Rufus and Clara Shivers on September 13, 1928. She had one brother, Rufus William Shivers, Jr. She grew up in Memphis and attended Humes High School. She went to MSCW (the “W”) and the University of Tennessee, where she was a member of Kappa Delta Sorority. She then moved to California, where she taught elementary school. She has lived in several places including Memphis, Tennessee; Columbus, Mississippi; Knoxville, Tennessee; San Francisco, California; Austin, Texas; Tuscaloosa, Alabama and Shanghai, China (for 5 weeks).
She married Robert Boyce Sweeney on October 26, 1957. They had 4 children, Bob Sweeney, Kathy (Sweeney) Gregory , Bill Sweeney and John Sweeney. Ten Grandchildren: Amy (Gregory) Thomas, Brady Gregory, Mary Katherine (Sweeney) Hampy, Emily Sweeney, Courtney (Sweeney) Mims, Claire Sweeney, Abbey Kate Gregory, Mary Ryan Sweeney, Ford Sweeney and Elliot Sweeney. Three Great Grandchildren: Collier, Sophie and Raker Thomas, plus the future Mims twins.
Beverly loved her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also adored her house in Tuscaloosa, writing in her journal “I loved everything in my house in Tuscaloosa. I hand-picked everything that went into its building.” She had a gift for telling stories of her childhood and often recounted her fond memories of close relatives growing up: Aunt Carl, Aunt Tuggy, Mona and Puggy. She was an avid gardener and talented artist. She loved beautiful antiques and was well-known her extensive doll collection.
Her bookshelves and cabinets are filled with treasures from her many adventures across the globe with Bob, Sr. Their favorite places to travel include Alaska, Shanghai, Ireland and across the 50 states. Everyone in the family loved to listen to her recount her journeys. Her children praise her, having served as PTA president, den mother, brownie mom, personal chauffer to countless ballet practices and baseball, basketball and football games.
And finally, she was a huge Alabama football fan. You could find her every Saturday in her crimson jersey cheering on the Tide!
Beverly Sweeney was preceded in death by her parents, her brother and her husband. A graveside service was held on Wednesday, January 8 at 2:00 at Memorial Park Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee. Pallbearers included Bob Sweeney, Bill Sweeney, John Sweeney, Butch Gregory, Brady Gregory, Greg Sassaman.
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