Beverly Kaye Still Acker

On June, 2nd, 2025 I took my last breath & danced into the bright light of my Lord at the age of 80. I was born on February 20, 1945 in Chicago, Illinois as the only child of Wilmer E. and Hester Graham Still. My parents brought me to Dalhart, TX when I was six months old. We later moved to Amarillo, TX where I finished grade school and graduated as salutatorian from Tascosa High School in 1963. I attended the University of Texas at Austin where I was a member of Gamma Phi Beta Sorority. I graduated in 1967 with a BA degree in Psychology. It was during this time I was infused with "Orange Blood" and remained a lifelong Texas Longhorn fan.

I met & married Leslie Clark Acker while students at UT. We had two wonderful daughters, Lisa & Dawn. We moved to Midland, TX in 1970 & I began a career as a caseworker for Children's Protective Services of the Texas Department of Families & Children. In 1981 I received a Master of Social Work degree from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, TX. I remained with the agency for over 30 years, retiring in 2000 as a Program Director. Leslie & I parted company after 17 years of marriage but remained friends, being together at family gatherings, especially Thanksgiving. After retirement I became a part-time secretary for St. Mark's United Methodist Church where I had been a member since 1972, serving in many capacities as a member. In January 2017, I resigned as the church secretary & moved my membership to the First United Methodist Church in Midland.

In my spare time, I volunteered as a docent for the Scarborough/Linebery House for 20 years. I also volunteered for the Midland Memorial Hospital Auxiliary for over 20 years, working in the gift shop & arranging flowers for sale. I was awarded a lifetime membership & held various offices, including President. For fun, I was a member of Beta Sigma Phi Social Sorority from 1972-2021, held every office & received all honors in the various chapters. I was also a member of two Red Hat groups, with whom I enjoyed the various outings dressed in purple with my red hat. I participated in water aerobics at the COM Aquatic Center for many years. I enjoyed going to the Summer Sunday Lawn Concerts, especially when the Geezers & the Shades were playing. I really enjoyed dancing, especially to the Golden Oldies of the 1950's & 1960's, working jigsaw puzzles and flower arranging. I spent many hours attending Lisa's band concerts & twirling contests as well as Dawn's soccer matches & softball games.

In October 2021, my last major goal in life was achieved. I was able to move into an apartment at Longhorn Village Life Care Facility in Austin. I was finally able to say "I dreamed it; I did it!" And life just got better & better with all the new friends I made & all the wonderful activities to do. If the bus or van was leaving, I was usually on it. I really liked all the musical entertainment, the Galloping Gourmet eating outings, Pet Day in Memory Care, Sip & Sing nights, bingo, flower arranging, art class, light bridge, & UT tailgate parties, among other things.

My loving parents preceded me in death as did my beautiful daughter Dawn Grace Bohot and four Dachshund friends. I am survived by my wonderful, loving daughter, Lisa Kaye Keenan & husband, Richard (Rick) of Thrall, TX; grandson Adam Rex Merrill of Kyle, TX; granddaughter Amy Beth Rhodes & husband Chase & two great grandchildren, Fiona Lynn Rhodes & Billy Eugene Rhodes, all of Niederwald, TX. I am also survived by several cousins & many fantastic friends, including the Midland Thursday Lunch Bunch & the Thursday Ladies' Circle which met for margaritas. All of my friends in Midland & at LHV were there to help when needed. I enjoyed the great company of Zelda, a rescue Yorkie mix, as my last pet. We dog lovers at LHV finally got them to build a Canine Courtyard where our dogs could play.

I spent my final years fighting COPD, which finally beat me. But I had a great life, lived to the fullest, with a smile on my face. It was all about having fun. My final thoughts before dancing on up were "Praise the Lord!" and "Hook'em Horns!"

A Celebration of Life is being held at her beloved Longhorn Village on Saturday, June 14, at 11:00 - 12:30.

12501 Longhorn Pkwy, Austin, TX.

Her family extends sincere gratitude to Halcyon Home Hospice of Austin for their care and kindness. And, to Martha, a CNA at Longhorn Village, your quiet, diligent vigil will remain forever in our thoughts.