Beverly Sue Joosten

Beverly Sue Joosten, a beacon of strength and creativity, passed away on March 14, 2025, in Greenwood, SC, at the age of 93. Born on September 11, 1931, in Norman, OK, Beverly's life was a tapestry of love, artistry, and unwavering determination.

Beverly's journey began as the cherished daughter of Velma "Gertie" Cartmill and Everett Ray Purcell, both of whom preceded her in death. Her path was one of both joy and resilience, as she navigated the world as a single mother to her three children, Martha Kay Dobbins, Shari Lynn Colonel (deceased), and Stephen Ernest Elkins (deceased). Beverly's love and dedication to her family were the bedrock upon which she built a life of remarkable achievements.

In an era when women were seldom seen in the upper echelons of corporate America, Beverly shattered glass ceilings with grace and tenacity. Her professional journey was marked by a series of successes that paved the way for many women who would follow in her footsteps. Beverly's entrepreneurial spirit later flourished when she and her beloved husband, David Joosten, whom married 1991, founded the "Sunrise Stained Glass Studio." Together, they created a legacy of beauty, installing stained glass masterpieces in churches throughout the state and nurturing the talents of others through their school.

Beverly's artistic soul found its true expression in her work with stained glass and blown glass. Each piece she crafted was a testament to her love for the art form and her exceptional ability to capture light and color in tangible form. Her creativity was not confined to her professional life; it spilled over into her personal passions, which included traveling and exploring the wonders of nature. Beverly's artistic legacy continues to shine through the lives of her grandchildren, Chip Tucker, Jill Sink, Jenna DeVries, Kenneth Colonel, and Robert Colonel, as well as her great-grandchildren, Lyndsay Goeckeritz, Nicholas Tucker, Carter DeVries, and Hunter DeVries, and her great-great-grandchildren, Thane and Bren Goeckeritz.

A longtime member of the Church of the Resurrection in Greenwood, SC, Beverly's faith was reflected in the love and care she put into each stained glass piece she created for places of worship. Her devotion to family was unwavering, and she found joy in the simplest of life's offerings, whether it was the laughter of her loved ones or the companionship of animals.

Beverly's sense of humor was a gift that she shared generously, bringing lightness and joy to those around her. She was the family historian, proudly embracing her heritage as a member of the Cherokee tribe. Her intelligence and generosity knew no bounds, and she was always eager to try new things, leaving a trail of inspiration for all who knew her.

Beverly is survived by her loving sisters, Gwynn Alspaugh and Darlene Holtsclaw, who, along with the rest of her family, will cherish her memory and continue to be guided by her indomitable spirit.

Beverly Sue Joosten's life was a masterpiece of love, art, and courage. Her legacy will continue to illuminate the lives of those she touched, just as the stained glass she so lovingly created continues to catch the light in sacred spaces across the state. Her story is one of a life well-lived and a woman well-loved, and she will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A memorial service will be held at The Episcopal Church of the Resurrection, 700 Main St S, Greenwood, SC 29646 on Saturday, March 22nd at 11 AM. A reception will start at 10 AM.