Beverly Ann Massey

Beverly was born in Norfolk, Virginia on February 8, 1931 to Nora Allyne Hammonds and Charles Lee Moore. She grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio and Ashland, Kentucky graduating from Ashland High School in 1948. From day 1 she loved learning and was an avid reader and writer even in elementary school where she began writing poetry which she continued throughout her life. After graduating from High School at 17, she attended Asbury College in Wilmington, Kentucky intending to become a Missionary and go to Africa, but God had a different calling for her as a teacher in the U. S. So she went to South Carolina and taught, eventually coming back to Kentucky where she met her children’s father. Through his job at Dowell, they soon ended up in Midland, Texas, the place she would forever call home. In Midland, Beverly quickly became involved in the education system, teaching at Alamo Jr. High, Goddard Jr. High, and Midland Lee High School throughout her long career. She was often referred to as the hardest teacher by her students, but up until a few weeks before she left this earth former students were still reaching out to her to thank her for lessons she had taught them that led them to law careers, writing careers and life lessons. She adored her students from 13-15 years and had a special heart for that age group. Beverly spent many years in the TSTA & NEA and was active politically especially when it dealt with education and teachers pay. She and her mother, Allyne Moore were early teachers to be trained in the Headstart program in 1960’s where she believed that all children deserved a good education.

She had many gifts, among them, were writing, crocheting, painting, the gift of gab, bridge, bingo, and poetry. She published many poems throughout her life and published a family cookbook filled with many loving recipes. She, also, was a member of the Red Hat Society and so enjoyed dressing up. She was often known for her love of bright clothes and shoes.

She enjoyed spending her time helping others whether through teaching Sunday School, working with Summer Youth Teens, singing in the church choir at St. Paul's Methodist Church, helping others find sobriety, or teaching people to waltz. But among her favorite things was being with her children and grandchildren and traveling whether to High School Reunions or the beach in Florida or to Paris and Ireland. Bev was strong, independent, and would give you the shirt off her back. There were no strangers, only people who might have a need that she could help.

Beverly spent the last 6 years in Waco with her two daughters and had just recently moved to Lubbock with her son as her health began failing. She was active up until the last week running to estate sales, shopping, and talking with her old friends and neighbors! She knew it was time to be closer to where she called home.

She was preceded by her grandparents Nannie Belle Myers and Robert Benjamin Hammonds, parents, Nora Allyne Hammonds and Charles Lee Moore, and sister Carol L Moore Cherry. She is survived by children Kim Collins Klimt (Bryan), Tamara Collins Gage, William Cameron Collins (Roberto), grandchildren: Eric M. Salome (Mandy Geyer), Ryan M. Salome (Kirby), and son Daniel S. Salome, Alexander T. Gage, Collin M. Gage (Jennifer) and son Beckham A. Gage Cousins: Karla F. Hamant (William), Cheryl Crawford (Marilyn).

A Special thank you to the Nursing Staff at Covenant Hospital Lubbock/6th Floor-East for their care during her last days, especially Nurse “Amazing” Grace, and to all who have loved our Mother over the Years. Although so many family members and untold friends have gone before her, we take comfort in knowing she is in heaven reaping her rewards with Jesus. Rest Easy O Good and Faithful Servant. You are Home.