Beverly Ann Race

Beverly Ann (B.J.) Race, age 60, of Lake Ozark, Mo., departed this life on Friday, October 9, 2009, at Lake Regional Health System, Osage Beach, Mo. She was preceded in death by her mother and step-father, Theda and Jr. Blankenship; her father, Max Liston Palmer; two brothers, Frankie and Jackie Palmer, and one sister Donna Cone. Survivors include her husband, Harley of the home; two sons, Rob Jamison, Richmond, Mo., and Justin Race and his wife Bobbie of Kansas City, Mo.; sister, Manevalin Knapp, Aurora, Colo., and sister-in-law, Jane Palmer, Osage Beach; eight grandchildren; one great granddaughter and many other relatives and friends. B.J. was born in Winston, Mo., and later moved to the Smithville area. She attended Smithville Public Schools. She worked many years for Commerce Bank of Kansas City, where she received the Award of Excellence and was recognized for 15 years consecutive perfect attendance. She was a member of the Hall of Fame in the National Recovery and Collection Association. She was also a member of the Missouri Women's Bankers Association, President and board member of the NRCA, President and Chairman of the Recovery User Group, member of the Consumer Banking Association and Association of Professional Collectors. On completing her career in the banking industry she was hired by Wells Fargo, where she was responsible for their establishment in the state of Missouri. Upon retirement, B.J. and Harley moved to Lake of the Ozarks. Here they owned and operated World League Wrestling, and B.J. became "mom" to many wrestling stars. She was a devoted wife and right hand to her husband; a wife of whom he was very proud and forever grateful to have as part of his life. B.J. loved cooking and entertaining friends in their home. She was most happy when helping others and was active in many charities. She was the recipient of the Above and Beyond Award, from the Cauliflower Alley Club. B.J. loved living at the lake and a favorite phrase was "Come on down and we'll go out on the boat." She especially enjoyed visits from grandchildren, which always included a shopping trip from Grandma. She will always be remembered for her kindness and concern for others. A Memorial Service will be held at 8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12, at the Eldon Community Center in Eldon, Mo. The family will receive friends for visitation from 6 to 8 p.m. prior to services. Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, at Mt. Moriah Terrace Park, 801 NW 108th St., Kansas City, with visitation from 1 to 2 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the Eldon Food Pantry, in memory of B.J. Race. Condolences may be forwarded to www.hedgesscottfuneralhomes.com Arrangements have been placed under the care of Hedges-Scott Funeral Home, Osage Beach.