Beverly Jean Reed Valencic

1936 - 2024

Beverly Jean Reed Valencic

April 8, 1936 - May 10, 2024

Beverly Jean (Reed) Valencic passed away on May 10, 2024, in Athens, GA, at home. She will live on through the many people she taught, the many stories she told, and the meals she cooked.

She was born in Wauseon, OH, on April 8, 1936, to Glen Reed and Ruby (Lake) Reed. She attended DeVilbiss High School and graduated in 1954 in Toledo, Ohio. She met her husband, Milan (Val) Valencic, while attending a circus on a double date with one of Val's military buddies. They eventually married and moved to Muncie, Indiana, where Val worked as an engineer with Westinghouse.

While in Muncie, she attended Ball State University when her three kids were in middle school. Not many people know that she graduated cum laude with a bachelor's and master's degrees in biology. Her family so proud of her. She loved teaching biology at Blackford County High School for several years. Dedicated to her students' learning, she continued to hear from many of them years later.

Then, in 1984, Val's career took them to Athens, Georgia, where she taught at Truett-McConnell College in Watkinsville, GA.

Shortly after, she was stricken with two different types of Lymphoma cancer. Her tenacity and the support of Val brought her through this very difficult time. Upon her recovery, she became an active supporter of cancer patients via the Love and Laughter Group, which she helped originally form, at Loran Smith Cancer Center. She frequently spoke to Lymphoma Society groups, using her gift of storytelling and humor to inspire others.

She retired from formal teaching and turned toward teaching bridge, a lifelong passion. Her enthusiasm for teaching attracted many students, and a 'bridge' community formed. She had a knack for teaching the complexities of the game to beginners. This bridge community was a tremendous source of joy and support for her.

When Bev turned 80, another major health challenge. This time she underwent major heart surgery. Again, her tenacity for life and the support of Val and her friends pulled her through.

Bev is survived by her husband of 69 years, Milan (Val) Valencic; her three children, Steve (Shana) Valencic, Karen Valencic, and David Valencic; brother, Jim Reed of Auburn, Michigan; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

She asks that each person reading this spend each day like it is their last day. Life is so short and so precious!

A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 18, at 2:00 p.m., in the Bernstein Funeral Home Chapel, 3195 Atlanta Hwy., Athens, GA 30606. A reception will follow the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, if you feel inclined it would be lovely to make a contribution in her memory to either the American Red Cross, which she was an avid supporter, or the State Botanical Garden of Georgia in Athens.

Bernstein Funeral Home, Athens, GA, is in charge of arrangements.