Ms. Willie Barbara Beavers

Willie-Barbara Beavers was born on July 12, 1931 in Cleveland Ohio. She passed away in the early morning of Wednesday, October 17th, 2018 a week after deciding to discontinue her dialysis treatments. Born to Harrison Allen and Viola Beatrice Johnson, Barbara was the third child of the union. Her older siblings, Harrison Allen Jr. and Lorraine Harriet Ford (nee Allen) both preceded her in death. Throughout her life she enjoyed unique and close relationships with each of her siblings. Barbara married Melvin Beavers in 1951. After ten years of marriage, the couple welcomed their son, Glenn. The family bond was enhanced with the addition of their second son, Cordell Troupe. Barbara spent the majority of her career at the Veterans Administration Hospital (VA), where she worked in Oncology, as an Administrative Assistant. She also spent a number of years volunteering as a part-time teacher’s assistant at Lafayette Elementary School. After her first retirement from the VA, Barbara went on to work as a real estate agent for Hunter Realty/Coldwell Banker. She then joined the Don Butler & Associates Law firm, as a secretary. Throughout her adult life, Barbara courageously met the challenges of living with numerous chronic conditions. However, she did not allow them to define her life nor disposition. Barbara was known for her positive attitude and was an inspiration to many. In 1984, she was the recipient of a kidney transplant that lasted for more than 26 years. Barbara endured the trials of kidney dialysis treatments for an additional 10 years, after losing her transplanted kidney. For decades, she was a regular financial contributor to the National Kidney Foundation, and encouraged others to support the organization, if they were able. Barbara was also a breast cancer survivor of more than 30 years. She would often joke, “I think, I’ve had just about everything!” When sharing the status of her conditions with others, Barbara would list them and then finish with, “...other than that, I’m OK!” Many expressed gratitude to her, for the encouragement she provided, as well as the way she inspired others to maintain a positive outlook, while living through tough times. Barbara had a keen and sharp mind well into her mid 80’s. She liked to learn and challenge herself. Her hobbies included, solving puzzles, like Sudoku and Mahjong, playing Candy Crush online, “snooping around” on Facebook. What Barbara enjoyed most was spending time with her family. She especially valued quality time talking with her sons and their growing families. Barbara is survived by her sons, Glenn (Tracy) Beavers, Cordell (Deborah) Troupe, her brother Alan Hayes, sister Brenda Lee Mooty (nee Hayes), six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Ms. Willie Barbara Beavers

July 12, 1931 - October 17, 2018