Beverly Elizabeth Baker DeMott Papy, Ph. D., devoted wife, mother, and grandmother embarked on the second greatest adventure of her life on September 16th, 2023. She was surrounded by her loving family.
Beverly was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence Franklin Baker and Evelyn Marsicano Baker. She is survived by her husband and kindred spirit, Wayne Connell Papy; beloved son and daughter-in-law, Christopher Lawrence DeMott and Michele DeMott, beloved stepson, and daughter-in-law Jason Wayne Papy and Nicola Papy; adored grandchildren: Katelyn Elizabeth Papy and Wyatt Wayne Papy; Irie Elle DeMott; sister Barbara Caswell (Chris); nieces and nephew, Stephanie Curtis (Matt), Brian Caswell (LaVohn), Aubrey Caswell; and grandniece and grandnephew Samantha Briana Curtis and Cash Lindon Curtis.
Beverly enjoyed a full and blessed life. She trusted the Almighty in all things and enjoyed nature, research, gardening, fishing, archaeology, and travel. She had a voracious appetite for knowledge and studied everything from archaeology to z-particles. She was a prolific author whose educational articles were published in educational journals, magazines, and newsletters throughout her career as an educator and adjunct professor. She was the author of the book, THE THREE WISE MEN, published under the pseudonym,"Dagee, P h.D."
Beverly was a dedicated educator who devoted her life primarily to poor and disadvantaged children and families. She began her career at Manhattan Elementary School. She taught at the old Knights Elementary in Plant City (on State Road 39) and Shaw Elementary. She served as Principal for Oak Park Elementary and Broward Elementary. She was honored as Hillsborough County Teacher of the Year and Principal of the Year, United States National Distinguished Principal, Florida Principal Hall of Fame, Florida Distinguished Principal and received many more awards and recognitions for her dedication and leadership.
Beverly hired and directed the faculty and staff that created the first inner-city Blue Ribbon National School of Excellence in 1993. During her sixteen-year tenure at Broward Elementary School in Tampa, Broward won every local, state, and national award an elementary school could win.
Beverly belonged to many professional organizations; among them: the American Educational Research Society, "Who' s Who in Global Education" Phi Kappa Phi, the Biblical Archaeology Society, and the American Archaeology Society. Throughout her career she served on numerous private and professional boards: Phi Delta Kappa, the Human Development Center, Inc., Trinity and Temple Terrace Charter Schools, and Global Education for the 21st Century.
Beverly is remembered for her unforgettable contagious laughter; her ability to love people, animals, nature, and ideas; her ceaseless curiosity and love of exploring and adventure; and her ability to envision wonderful innovations and then achieve them for herself and others. She inspired and mentored many younger educators and principals as well as family and friends. Her love, wisdom and guidance will be missed.
A celebration of her life will be held at the Garden of Memories Funeral Home, 4207 E Lake Avenue Tampa, Florida on Tuesday, September 26th, 2023, at 11:00am with entombment following the memorial service at the Garden of Memories Mausoleum. Flowers and plants sent as remembrances will be donated to pediatric hospital units and geriatric nursing homes to enrich the lives of others. Donations may also be made to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the American Cancer Society, and the Red Cross.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.gardenofmemoriestampa.com for the Papy family.
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