Beverly Watson James, age 86, died on October 23, 2018 at Laclede Groves in St. Louis, where she had resided for seven years.

She was born October 26, 1931 in Malden, MO, the daughter of the late Almus and Alma Clary Watson. She was married to Gary D. James for 61 years. He preceded her in death, as did their son, Michael D. James.

Beverly is survived by her son Scott (Nancy) James; grandchildren Lindsey James, Rachael (Nick) James, Andrew James, and Matthew James; brothers Gaylon (Carolyn) Watson and Jerry (Donna) Watson; sister-in-law Linda (John) Green; and other loved ones and dear friends.

A Dexter, Missouri resident for 45 years, Beverly was an avid volunteer who contributed many hours to the Stoddard County Children’s Home and was on boards of that organization for more than 20 years. In 1992 she was named the Dexter Chamber of Commerce Woman of the Year. 

A memorial service will be held at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter, MO, on Friday, November 9, 2018, with visitation at 10am and the service at 11am. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Stoddard County Children’s Home, PO Box 164, Dexter, MO 63841.