Beverly Ann Stephenson

Beverly Ann Stephenson, born September 20, 1940 in Wellington, Missouri.  She was third of four daughters of Adolph and Edna Stalling.  Her Wellington childhood inspired her all her life.  In Wellington, she learned the importance of using your talents to make your community better for everyone.  Beverly's talents were in music and performance.  She was blessed with perfect pitch, could play all the woodwind and brass instruments, but her true passion was piano.  

Beverly graduated from Wellington High School in 1957 and completed a Bachelor of Music Education degree at the University of Central Missouri in 1961.  She was hired as a Music Specialist in the Raytown School district in 1962.  In that job, she traveled to  four elementary schools where she taught 15 minute classes to children with a rolling piano in tow.  

Beverly met John Stephenson of Raytown, MO and married him in the Wellington Methodist church in December 1963.  John and Beverly pursued careers in education while raising two children.  During their marriage of 59 years, Beverly taught music either in public schools or in her home studio until age 80.  She continued to perform on the piano until age 82.  In her final days, piano music and children's singing voices brought her joy and peace.  When she couldn't play anymore, she sat next to others who played for her, giving advice and how to improve their performance.  

Beverly was preceded in death by her husband, John Stephenson; and her sisters, Bessie Westerman (Howard), Edith Baker, and Lorraine Stalling. She is survived by her daughter, Jeannae Segura Brown (Charlie); son, Eric Stephenson; granddaughters, Paloma Segura and Kelci Chard (Christian); and her great-grandson, Casper Chard.