Willo May Beresford

We'll miss Willo May!

Many of us will never forget the enjoyment of listening to her accompany musical worship at the keys of the "PLC Organ" during chapel --- in the late '70's --- in the Golden Gymnasium! Wow!

What an experience that was! We appreciated the technique, style, and skill she brought to that instrument, making chapel all that much more worshipful and meaningful.

God Bless the Beresford family as we also mourn the loss of Willo May.

Willo May was a regular at lunch in the old PLNC cafeteria. I have enjoyed many lunchtime conversations with her. I learned greatly from her wisdom, and I appreciated her humility and positive attitudes about life. I was saddened to hear of her passing but uplifted to know that she is now in the Promised Land.

I first became friends with Mrs. B. in the Fall of 1985. She was always a great source of moral support and spiritual strength. She loved me as her son, and showered on me a vast amount of musical and spiritual knowledge. I was a privileged visitor to her home on many occasions and got to know and love members of her family. She was one of two very important people to bring me to Christ. She attended my baptism some 17 years ago, played piano - and organ - for me by the hour, fed me on her...

Willo May was such a woman of grace, I first got to know her during the 5 years I worked with her at First Church San Diego. Even when I knew she probably didn't appreciate the more contemporary music I often chose, she never complained; in fact, she made it clear that she was supportive and that she loved me and appreciated my efforts. What a wonderful and gifted musician and friend!

Mrs. B was a wonderful mentor to me as a musician and as a Christian. She was my college music theory teacher and piano teacher. She even tried to give some of us free organ lessons once! Later, I was privileged to be her colleague at PLNU and also in our work together at San Diego First Church of the Nazarene. I will miss her kind and generous spirit; her life will live on as she continues to challenge me to live a life of service and love.

Willo Mae was a woman of poise and spiritual maturity. She loved her students and fellow travelers. We are so blessed to have benefitted from her gifts and care.

Leon & Chris Kigler

Mrs. B was my piano teacher in elementary school and then again when I was a student at PLNC. She was very patient and very kind. She also played the organ for our wedding in August 2004, at Brown Chapel on campus. She helped me select wonderful songs and our wedding day was so beautiful, in part because of her talents. Thank you for caring for me and sharing in my special day. Willo May, you will be greatly missed, but your legacy never forgotten.

Willo May was a wonderful teacher, mentor and friend. It was a blessing to me listening to her play the organ every Sunday. She was gracious, generous of spirit, and a true woman of God.

Willo May was a wonderful, faithful friend to my mother, transporting her to Bible Study, taking her to lunch, visiting her when she was sick and in the hospital. Willo May also had a profound impact as faculty on my children. I valued her as a friend and a compassionate woman of prayer and good works.