Martha Janet Beverly, 88, passed away Wednesday, January 27, 2021 in Sandy Springs, GA from complications of Covid-19. Janet was born on October 5, 1932 in Wise, VA to the late William Dewey and Lillian (Scott) Beverly. Janet grew up, raised her family and lived for many years in Wise, VA but later relocated, living in Gatlinburg, TN, Fort Myers, FL and Loudon, TN before eventually moving to Sandy Springs, GA in 2017.
As a child, Janet often helped her father in his woodworking shop, especially as her older brothers went away to serve in WWII, and tended to the farm animals for her family and her grandparents. She worked as a legal secretary after high school and later as a ward clerk and executive assistant at the former St. Mary's Hospital and Mental Health Clinic in Norton, VA.
Janet was known for having a warm and welcoming home and being a loyal and dear friend, sister and neighbor. She was a talented painter, cook and seamstress. She loved participating in Bible study at the various Baptist and Methodist churches she attended over the years, volunteered for Meals on Wheels, enjoyed tending her flower gardens at her various homes (always anchored by her most favorite daylilies), made legendary pies, and in her later years was fortunate to be able to travel to many beautiful destinations − Alaska, Berlin, Paris, London, Egypt and New Zealand to name but a few. Her greatest source of pride and joy were her children and grandchildren, whom she loved beyond words. She was extremely kind and generous and everyone who met her described her as the nicest person they'd ever known.
Janet was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, James Beverly and Kenneth Beverly; and sisters, Chollie Absher and Aldeane Stanley. She is survived by her children, Martha O'Day (Tim) of New York City, William Samuel Stallard (Sabine) of Hamburg, Germany, and Matthew Stallard of Atlanta, GA; grandchildren, Nathan, Judith, Elsa, Marilyn, and Paige; sisters, LaTrica Kendrick (Bob) and Theo Beverly; brother, William Dewey Beverly, Jr. (Sandy); sister-in-law, Pat H. Stallard; many nieces and nephews; and her partner of the past 15 years, Lt. Col. Jack Brummett, USAF Ret., whose large and loving family welcomed her as one of their own.
The family would like to thank the compassionate caregivers at Somerby Senior Living, Agape Hospice and SeniorCare Options who helped Janet navigate through the struggles of dementia these past months and years. Due to Covid, the family was not able to be with her for most of 2020 and is grateful for the kindness of so many caregivers who helped us remain in touch virtually.
As per Janet's wishes, services will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (alzdiscovery.org) or Meals on Wheels America (mealsonwheelsamerica.org). Please also honor Janet's memory by wearing a mask, getting a vaccine and helping our country end this pandemic.
