Beverly N. Clark

Beverly Nadine James Brinkley Clark was born to Ruth (Woods) and Everett James on April 10, 1930, in Chicago, IL. During her early years, the James family moved back to Spencer, IA, where Beverly met Donald Brinkley. They fell madly in love and wed the day after Beverly graduated from Spencer High School in June 1948. Bev and Don started their family on a farm outside Everly, Iowa. Tragically, Donald passed away from cancer after 17 wonderful years of marriage in 1965.
On April 2, 1967, Beverly married Robert Clark and moved to his farm in Spencer. This farm became the site for many family gatherings, complete with flocked Christmas trees and countless adventures. In 1989, Beverly and Robert retired to their lake house on High Lake, which became a hub for family vacations, fishing, and fun. They wintered and lived in Arizona until Robert's death in 2008. Following that, Beverly embarked on a new adventure in Cloquet, MN, where she spent the next 10 years.
Known for her impeccable sense of style, Beverly was often the most fashionable person in the room. A true lover of the lake, she found peace and joy in its waters and was an avid fisherwoman, proudly stating that she genuinely enjoyed catching bullheads. Her crafty hands created delightful homemade cards, and she excelled at cultivating a wide range of plants. She took equal pleasure in a competitive game of cards as she did in the company of family and friends. Whether at the lake, around the table, or sharing her endless humor, Beverly brought warmth and joy wherever she went. Her spirit, creativity, and laughter will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Socializing and adventurous travels were some of Beverly's greatest joys. Being around people was the energy that fueled her throughout her life. Her quick wit and clever remarks often sparked laughter and fun, whether in her early years on the farm or the vibrant community of Mesa. She always looked forward to any opportunity to connect with others, including dressing up for Halloween.
The Clay County Fair held a special place in her heart. While working at the information booth, she loved welcoming visitors and engaging in friendly conversations. As a devoted Christian, Beverly was always eager to serve her church. She also found great fulfillment in her involvement with the Red Hat Society, where she made lasting friendships and created cherished memories.
Although Beverly had a deep love for shoes and accessories, her affection for her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and grand pets far outweighed her fashionista tendencies. She cherished every moment with her family, planning tea parties, gardening, playing board games, and making phone calls. Beverly was incredibly proud of every one of them, and her love for her family knew no bounds.
Beverly is survived by her children, Susan Zehnder of Marysville, WA, Timothy (Susan) Brinkley of Spencer, IA, Karen Cretsinger of Spencer, IA, Constance Brinkley of Seattle, WA, Pamela (Henry) Hunt of Okemos, MI, and Reverend Thomas (Mary) Brinkley of Cloquet, MN; her grandchildren include, Thadd (Kim) Zehnder, Seth Zehnder, and Cassie Zehnder, Makala (Chad) Brinkley-Seitz, Brittany (Justin) Spieker, Zack Cretsinger, Dr. Elizabeth Hunt, Dr. Samuel (Margaret) Hunt, Jessica (Aaron) Bell, Robbert Brinkley, Joel Brinkley, Markieshia Brinkley, and Earl Brinkley; sister, Penny Clements of Grand Rapids, MN; and many great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Beverly was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Donald Brinkley (with whom she shared 17 years of marriage), her second husband Robert Clark (with whom she shared 42 years of marriage), her brother, Everett Lee, and grandsons, Mathew Donald Brinkley and Clay Aaron Zehnder.
Beverly's faith in Jesus guided her throughout her 94 years on earth. This faith brought her comfort and joy as Jesus welcomed her in His loving arms.
A funeral service for Beverly will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, with a visitation one hour prior to her service at St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Esko, MN. A lunch will follow her service at the church. Interment for Beverly is pending at this time and will be at Northlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Spencer, IA. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Croix Hospice or St. Matthews Lutheran Church. Arrangements are entrusted to Nelson Funeral Care of Cloquet.