Beverly F. Bedway

Beverly Faith Bender (Harris) Bedway arrived on February 22, 1950, and, true to form, left this Earth on her own terms-peacefully in her sleep, with her long-time rescue companion dog, Bailey, beside her. Despite all indications to the contrary and to the chagrin of her children, Bailey (who must be at least 175 dog years old) outlived Beverly and desperately misses her.
Beverly championed all lost causes. She took in many stray humans, dogs, plants, and random pieces of antique furniture. She loved them unconditionally and they loved her back. To many, she was "Mom" even if she wasn't. After her retirement from the Mine, Safety, Health Administration "MSHA" - where she inspected underground mines and literally blew up things - she spent her time working with Catholic Charities and assisting the underserved and unhoused.
Beverly was a humanitarian and civil rights champion - running away from Ohio at the age of 18 to marry her first husband (John Edwards Harris) in Kentucky the year after the Supreme Court's decision in Loving v. Virginia, a case legalizing interracial marriage. From that union, Lesli Harris was born. Beverly became the loving aunt, cousin, and friend to countless Harrises, Johnsons, and Cassels. Brenda Harris (née Johnson) became not only her sister-in-law, but her sister-friend. Over the years, they campaigned and marched for many democratic and social justice causes. Until the very end, Beverly continued to resist any act of unfairness.
Beverly later married Joseph Bedway and together they had the talented artist, Adam Bedway. She was the steadfast head of household, providing for everyone - financially, emotionally, and with a calm, but dry sense of humor.
Beverly lived on Sunset Heights, Ohio, but her heart was always either at the beach or in New Orleans. Her final trip was to New Orleans with Brenda Harris in March 2025. They had a damn good time. In her will, she asked for a traditional Second Line in New Orleans, and she will get one. Because she was bossy.
She loved books and dogs more than (some) people. She hated shoes. She holds the record for reading every detective and mystery book in the Ohio County Library. Fittingly, she will rest eternally with the last books she was reading and flip flops on her feet.
One always knew where they stood with Beverly. What she didn't say with words, she said with facial expressions and sideways glances.
She leaves behind her feisty and beloved grandchildren, Olivia and Evelyn Bedway; devastated and proud children, Lesli Harris (Jeff Bromberger) and Adam Bedway (Beth Patsch); stepsons David (Elizabeth Timmons) and Joey Bedway; aunts, Nancy (Carol) Dunn and Sandra Doakes (Stanley); dear friend Carlene Falk; and countless friends, cousins, and "strays" around the country. She is preceded in death by her father Robert Bender, mother Jacqueline Jenkins, stepfather Bill Evans, brother Ted Bender, first husband John Harris, and second husband, Jospeh Bedway. e Ohio County Library Although Beverly loved flowers, celebrate her memory by donating in her name to the Ohio County Library, the ASPCA, any of your local libraries, or animal shelters.
Visitation begins Wednesday, May 21, from 6–8 p.m. at Altmeyer Funeral Home, 1400 Eoff Street, Wheeling, West Virginia 26003. On Thursday, May 22, visitation starts at 10 a.m., followed by a service at 11:00 a.m. at Altmeyer. Burial will follow at Weeks Cemetery, 69560 Old Cadiz Road, 43912. A repast will follow at Waterfront Hall, 1230 Water Street, Wheeling, beginning at 12:30 p.m.
To join and celebrate Beverly's life, you may watch the live video feed on our Memory Share website. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Beverly F. Bedway, please visit our floral store.To make a memorial donation, please visit the donations section of this obituary.