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Beverly Jean Washington was born on September 27, 1949, to Floyd and Ivery Miles in Austin, Texas. Raised on the East Side of Austin, she was the second oldest of eight siblings. Beverly attended Sims Elementary, Kealing Jr. High School, and graduated from L.C. Anderson High School in 1968, the only high school for African American students in Austin during the era of segregation. She went on to pursue higher education at Prairie View A&M University, where she earned a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and became a dedicated member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority in 1971. Beverly furthered her education with a master’s degree in Education, specializing in counseling. Beverly’s teaching career began in 1972 at Beacon Hill Elementary in San Antonio, Texas. In 1977, she returned to her hometown and began teaching in the Austin Independent School District, serving at Sims Elementary, Lanier High School, Dobie Middle School, and Gullett Elementary. Over time, she transitioned from teaching to counseling. After spending over 30 years working for the Austin Independent School District she retired in 2009, Beverly continued to serve as a substitute counselor, staying committed to supporting students and schools. Throughout her career, Beverly never forgot her church roots. Growing up, she was a choir member at Willie Chapel, later joining Pilgrim Rest Primitive Baptist Church, where she served under the leadership of her uncle, Reverend Jimmy Miles. At Pilgrim Rest, she served as a Bible school teacher, choir member, and supported their missionary work. Beverly later became a member of St. James Missionary Baptist Church, where she worked in the Elderly Care Center, participated in the Senior Mission One program, and sang in the church choir. Beverly was deeply committed to serving her community. She served as the Outreach Coordinator for the Austin Area Women’s Ministry Coalition, where she worked on numerous special projects and helped organize the annual Summerfest event. Beverly also took part in foreign missionary work while with AAWMC, traveling to Belize on several occasions to provide shoes and socks to local villages. Golden Sister Beverly Washington exemplified a lifelong commitment to service and sisterhood. Initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, through the Zeta Gamma Chapter at Prairie View A&M University in 1971, she carried the torch of excellence into her graduate years with the Beta Psi Omega Chapter in Austin, TX. A dedicated and engaged member, she served on numerous committees and was a cherished participant in the Pink Runway Fashion Shows, where her grace and elegance shined. Her legacy of love, leadership, and loyalty to Alpha Kappa Alpha will forever be remembered and honored by all who had the privilege of knowing her. In her free time, Beverly poured her heart into arts and crafts, making each piece with love for her friends and family. She also had a natural flair for interior decorating, crafting stunning flower arrangements, and finding great joy in nurturing her home garden. Beverly’s love for her family was immeasurable. In 1973, she married Johnny Lee Washington, and together they had a daughter, Margo. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her siblings: Raymond Miles, Marva Gayle Miles, Hershell Miles, Floyd Miles, Jr., and a very special Aunt Julia Mae Keys. Beverly is survived by her daughter, Margo Michelle Kelley, and her grandchildren: Kyle, Kameron, Caleb, and great-granddaughter Malaiyah Kelley. She is also survived by her brother, Wadine “Rickey” Miles (Sharon), and her sisters, Debbie Miles Bloxson (Michael) and William Lois Miles. Additionally, she is survived by her nieces and nephews: Marva Frey, Carmenn Miles, Luttrell Miles, Hershell Beshay Miles, Jr., La’Karsha Miles Bloxson, Ashley Bobino, and Desmond Miles. Beverly Jean Miles Washington leaves behind a profound legacy of service, love, and devotion to her family, community, and the countless lives she touched.

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Beverly Jean Washington

September 27, 1949 - March 3, 2025