BEVERLEY LUMPKIN

LUMPKIN BEVERLEY LUMPKIN Beverley Lumpkin, a longtime Washington journalist with a passion for journalism and the law, died on October 20, 2017. She was 68 years old. For more than 23 years, Beverley worked for ABC News as the network's chief reporter at the Justice Department and also covered high profile trials, Supreme Court cases, national security and later the newly created Department of Homeland Security. Her peers respected her for her in-depth understanding of the agency and her penchant for detail. "Halls of Justice," a chatty column she wrote for ABC's website, was a must read for Justice Department watchers. Beverley also knew a great news story when she saw one. She was the reporter, who broke the story under Attorney General John Ashcroft, of DOJ staffers using drapes to cover the breasts of the statues in the Justice Department's Great Hall. Beverley went on to work for CBS News, the Associated Press and as an investigator at the Project for Government Oversight before returning to work for the Justice Department in 2009 as a presidential appointee under Attorney General Eric Holder. "I have often said these halls are in my DNA," Beverley told an interviewer about returning to Justice as a public affairs officer. "I have so much love and respect for the institution and for the career people." While at Justice, Beverley worked on Freedom of Information Act Issues and the Open Government Initiative. As a reporter and as a government employee, she always felt getting information to the public about their government was essential to Democracy. Beverley grew up in Richmond, Virginia and was the oldest of seven children. She worked while taking classes at George Washington University, graduating in 1984 at the top of her class. She was always impeccably put together and was known for her humor, grace and winning smile, even in the toughest moments. Beverley was a long-time volunteer at Arena Stage and at Congressional Cemetery near her home on Capitol Hill, where she loved to walk with her beloved dogs Layla and later Chrissy. Beverley was predeceased by brothers Edward Keith Lumpkin and Christopher James Lumpkin, brother-in-law Keith Slasor, stepfather William F. Egelhoff. and father, Robert J. Lumpkin. Survivors include her mother, Dorothy Egelhoff, sisters Cecily Slasor, Marian Lumpkin (Robert Ball), Heather Johnson (Jeff), brother Barry Kelliher; nephews Zachary Johnson (Juli), Nathan Johnson (Tomoko), Chays Slasor (Krystle), Savannah Butler (Jason), Amber Kelliher, Paris Ball (Maria Gullickson), and Robley and Patrick Ball; much-adored great nieces and nephews; many dear friends and her beloved dog Chrissy. A memorial service will be held November 18, 2017 at 12 noon in the Congressional Cemetery Chapel, 1801 E Street, SE., Washington, D.C. 20003. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Congressional Cemetery, www.congressionalcemetery.orgIn lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Congressional Cemetery, www.congressionalcemetery.org