Beverly Ann Sechrist-Coppedge-Somers
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Beverly Ann Sechrist-Coppedge-Somers, 88, passed away peacefully in her home at Reflection Ridge Retirement Community, Wichita, Kansas on November 22nd. She was born on October 16, 1934 in Corpus Christi, Texas to Robert and Dorothy Sechrist. Beverly grew up in Corpus Christi, attended WB Ray High School and graduated with the class of '53. She met Jim Coppedge at the United Methodist Church in Corpus Christi and they were married for 32 years. They raised three children, James, Cathy and Carolyn. She became a Methodist Minister's wife when Jim graduated from seminary and went into the ministry in Texas. She dearly loved being a minister's wife and loved each and every one of the many families in the churches they served over the years in Texas and Oregon.
Beverly married Gerald Somers in 1992 which lovingly increased her family with five children and additional grandchildren. Jerry and Beverly traveled the globe as missionaries sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ from Hong Kong to South Africa. They also enjoyed their love of travel from Alaska, Germany and South America, including the Falkland Islands. Beverly was brought up in the church and taught from a very early age that our purpose on this earth is to glorify God. She loves the Lord and all is now well with her soul as she dwells in His house forevermore.
Beverly was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and a member of the General Society of Mayflower Descendants as a descendant of William Brewester; she was very proud of the heritage from which she came.
She became a Lay Chaplain through St. Luke's Episcopal Health System and served through prayer, pastoral care and spiritual growth. She also became a Stephen Minister through the Fredericksburg United Methodist Church in Fredericksburg. Beverly loved children and was led to become a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate). She assisted many precious children and families during her service to this organization.
Beverly loved her family and was a gift to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She nurtured and cared for them all. She loved to cook, was a generous hostess, made her own playdough and had the most amazing toy closet. She attended and cheered her family on through all their many events. Beverly was well known for her beautiful smile and never touched a life where love was not shared.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be directed to the Hospice of your choice. We are in deep gratitude to Phoenix Hospice of Wichita, and the blessing bestowed on the family by Koinonia Senior Care, 13303 W. Maple Street, Suite 139, PMB 128, Wichita, KS 67235.
She is survived by her three siblings, Nancy and Jim House; Janet Neusch; and Richard and Peggy Sechrist; her three children, her son, James E. Coppedge, Jr. and his wife Amy and their children and grandchildren, Alisha and Tyler Brown, Mallory and Lesley; and Afton and Ahren Dykman; her daughter, Cathy L. White and her children and grandchildren, Cassandra and Clint Fuzzell, Keegan Wilkens, Libby, Luke, Khloee and Stella Fuzzell; Andrew and Jen White; and Brittany Axe, Connor, Jace and Lincoln; and her daughter Carolyn J. Lester and her children and grandchildren, TJ and Stacey Fleming, Elliot; Sarah and Eric Jimenez, Emelia; Rachel and Ryan Le Bard, Jonathan and Henry; Rebekah Lester; and Samuel Lester.
- Member of Central Community Church in Wichita, Kansas
- Member of the United Methodist Church in Fredericksburg, Texas
Memorial and Celebration of Life Service at Fredericksburg United Methodist Church 1800 Llano St, Fredericksburg, TX 10:30 am on Saturday, December 3rd. Private family burial at Greenwood Cemetery.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent at www.schaetter.com
Funeral arrangements under the direction of the Schaetter Funeral Home