Beverly A. Grimes

She was born on January 31, 1939 to Freda (McGinnis) and Hobart Burns, in Pekin. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Robert and William Burns, and a sister, Joann Hammond.

In 1960, she married Morris E. Grimes, her high school sweetheart. Morris died in 2007. Surviving are their three sons, Bryan (Becky) Grimes, Barry (Marsha) Grimes, both of Pekin, and Brent Grimes of Peoria; four grandchildren, Jessica (Brian) Hart, Samantha Grimes of Palm Bay, Florida, Cara/Shane Grimes of Rock Island, Jack Grimes of Washington, IL; and 3 bonus grandchildren, Anthony (Emmy) Carlyle of Marquette Heights, Tyler (Seirah) Carlyle of Washington and Whitney (Ashley) Cooper of Pekin; fourteen great-grandchildren; her beloved sister, Barbara Carter of Peru, and a very special sister-in-law, Shirley Grimes of Salisbury, North Carolina. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews.

Beverly graduated from Delavan Community High School in 1957, and Mennonite School of Nursing in 1960. She graduated from the Bradley University College of Nursing in 1977 and is a founding member of Bradley University’s Chapter, Epsilon, Epsilon, Sigma Theta Tau, and the honor society of nurses.

Mrs. Grimes was active in her sons’ lives, always there to help out, serving as room mother, PTA member, chair of banquets and carnivals at Douglas School in Pekin. She loved to cook and bake, fixing meals and treats for them and their families. Friends were always treated with their favorite birthday cakes. Angel Food, German Chocolate, Texas Chocolate were made countless times over the years. She loved having her great-grandchildren come for cooking lessons. For more than 25 years, she hosted a New Year’s Day Open House. Soups, especially “Good Luck” 13 bean soup, were always on the menu. She also catered weddings, bridal/baby showers, and church functions.

Her nursing career spanned 53 years and she loved every minute working as a nurse. Her grandson, Jack, said, describing her career as a nurse, “Well, I know this about my grandma, she always goes to work with a smile on her face.” Beverly worked at the Peoria State Hospital, Methodist Radiation Oncology, OSF St. Francis, Caterpillar and Medtronic Diabetes. 31 years of her nursing career was spent working with individuals with diabetes. Her ability to connect with patients and their families made her “part of their family.” Dr. Joyce Wise, Dr. Sue Ellyn Sauder and Dr. Thomas Dorsch had a huge impact on her knowledge of Diabetes in children and adults. She was forever grateful for their influence in her professional life. Many diabetes professionals often consulted her for advice and guidance, she spoke on various diabetes topics at local, state, and national diabetes organizations, the OSF St. Francis diabetes education program was a Nationally Recognized program; one of the first in Illinois. Mrs. Grimes was one of the first nurses in Illinois to attain the Certified Diabetes Educator status, which she held until her retirement at 75. In 1990, she was appointed to the Statewide Diabetes Advisory Board by Governor James R. Thompson. A comment from Cara/Shane Grimes noted “grandma is cute and sassy and always helping others, I hope in my lifetime I can help others as she did.”

Beverly was an active volunteer throughout her life in a variety of community organizations and churches. A past member of Pekin Jr. Woman’s Club, Douglas School PTA, Pekin YWCA, American Heart Association, March of Dimes, Heart Fund, First United Methodist Church, Pekin Public Library, Tazewell County Chapter of American Cancer Association, Downstate American Diabetes Association,

Mennonite Nurses Alumni Organization, Order of Eastern Star Mystic Tie Chapter #245 in Tremont, Tazewell County Farm Bureau, the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary, the Dean’s External Cabinet, Mennonite College of Nursing at ISU and Chapter LM of the P.E.O Sisterhood in Pekin. She was the founder and first president of the Central Illinois Diabetes Educators group, and a member of the national organization, the American Diabetes Educators Association, also a member of the nursing honor society, Sigma Theta Tau (Epsilon, Epsilon chapter).

A former member of Green Valley Presbyterian Church and First United Methodist Church of Pekin, at the time of her passing, she was a member of Grace Presbyterian Church in Peoria. Her faith underscored all that she did. “Having Gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: If prophecy in proportion to our faith, if service in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching.” Romans 12: 6-7.

During her life, Beverly was honored for her service and contributions to her community. She was chosen as the Altrusa’s Volunteer of the Year in Pekin, the Diabetes Educator of the Year by the Downstate American Diabetes Association, honored as a Mennonite Distinguished Alumni for her accomplishments in the field of Diabetes and Diabetes Education, chosen as Outstanding Nurse Educator by Medtronic Leadership and received the ISU Alumni Service Award. At the Altrusa award ceremony, one member stated, “If you want something done, ask a busy person and this certainly applies to Mrs. Grimes.”

A visitation celebrating Beverly’s life will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, April 10, 2025 at Preston- Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin, with her funeral service immediately following. Chaplain Scot Shelburne will officiate. Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.

Memorials can be made to Mennonite College of Nursing at ISU or Grace Presbyterian Church, Peoria, IL or OSF Diabetes Resource Center.

Beverly thanks her family for their support and love; as well as friends who called or texted offering encouragement and prayers. A special thank you to Chaplain Shelburne and the OSF Hospice team.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com