Beverly Jean Blockson

Obituary

Beverly Jean Blockson, wife, mother, a devoted educator and cherished member of the community, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at the age of 88.

Her Beginning

Beverly Jean Blockson was born in Lexington, Mississippi to Rev. John and Mamie Richmond on November 10, 1937. She was the youngest girl of eight siblings. Beverly graduated from Gentry High School in Indianola, Mississippi and Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi. She later completed her education graduating from Bethel College-Mishawaka, Indiana with a Master's Degree in Education.

Her Faith

Beverly grew up in a Christian home. She was baptized at an early age at Bedford United Methodist Church under the leadership of her father Rev. John Richmond. After moving to South Bend, Indiana she joined Laymen Chapel CME Church, where she was a faithful member until she relocated to Indianapolis, Indiana.

Her Family

Beverly married her high school sweetheart Walter Blockson on March 19, 1956 in Indianola, Mississippi and moved to South Bend. To this union two children were born: Diana and Walter Allen. She was also blessed with a bonus son, Melvin, who was her personal caregiver until she was called home. During a trip home to visit Walter's father in the hospital, she met Melvin and took him home to meet his father and siblings. The rest of the story is cemented in love.

Her Earthly Purpose

After completing her education and graduating from Bethel College, Beverly dedicated over 25 years to teaching where she inspired generations of students with patience, kindness, and a deep love of learning. Known for her commitment to education, she believed every student had potential and worked tirelessly to help each one succeed. Beverly's commitment to her students was recognized by the South Bend school system when she was honored as Teacher of the Year.

After retiring from teaching, Beverly continued to share a passion for learning through volunteering, tutoring, hobbies, community involvement, reading, and gardening. She also enjoyed spending time with family and friends and will be remembered for her warm smile, sense of humor, generosity, dedication to her family - especially, her grandchildren Damian and Fallon.

Beverly Jean was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Walter Samuel; son, Walter Allen; daughter, Diana Marie and siblings, Frank Miller, Carleen Richmond Parker, Mary Richmond Parker McIntyre, John Earl Richmond, Bennie Richmond, and John Wesley Richmond. She leaves to mourn her passing and celebrate her life, one last sibling, Dorothy Richmond Byas; a son Melvin (Regina) Blockson Brown; Grandson, Damian (Tanya) Bailey; Granddaughter, Fallon Pruitt; great grandchildren, Quintil, Ziahn, Serenity, Halima, and Inanya; bonus grandchildren, Aria, Evan, and bonus great grandchildren, Channah' Tino, Naveah and Ayla.

She also leaves to mourn her passing, a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, sisters in law, Beatrice Wallace and Jo Blockson; special nieces, Marie Smith and Bonnie Anderson, in addition to lifelong friends, Lela Armstead and Maxine Williamson; and her Sorority Sisters of Delta Sigma Theta Incorporated.

2 Timothy 4: 7-8

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

Visitation for Beverly will be held on Sunday January 18, 2026, from 3:00 pm-7:00 pm at the Palmer Funeral Home - West Chapel, 2702 Lincolnway West, South Bend. Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 19, 2026, begin at 11:00 am at Laymen Chapel CME Church, 303S. Kenmore St. visitation one hour prior of the service. Burial will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Osceola, IN.