Beverly Kirk

In many ways, Beverly Kirk defined the meaning of devoted wife and mother, loving grandmother, loyal friend, and above all, a woman devout in faith. A true blessing, her generous spirit and warmhearted ways was an inspiration to those within her reach. The love of her Lord was indeed her greatest joy, and her Christian example shone bright to all who knew her.

Americans were beginning to hope again in 1939 as the U.S. was slowly emerging from the Great Depression. “God Bless America” was introduced, and moviegoers enjoyed the premiere of the all time favorite, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”. Even so, at a time when the country was looming on the edge of World War II, C.L. and Avis Roberta (Brown) Barber had much to be thankful for when on October 13, 1939, they lovingly welcomed the birth of their little girl, Beverly into their hearts.

Born in Battle Creek, Michigan, Bev was raised on Crooked Lake in Texas Township. Beverly grew up with her older brother, Lynden and younger brother, Doug. The Barber family made their home above the store they owned, and personalized their services dependent upon their customer's needs. They occasionally delivered groceries and goods to those unable to venture out to the store and to the homebound.

Beverly, or Bev as she was known, enjoyed a typical childhood for the times and shared memorable times with friends. Faith and Christian values were instilled in her heart as a child, and grew ever stronger with each passing year. She shared a close bond with her big brother, Lynden, which remained throughout their lives. When he entered the military, Bev was overjoyed and extremely thankful when he gave his car to her for her high school graduation. She went on to graduate from Mattawan High School with the Class of 1957.

Upon completing high school, Bev furthered her education in the beauty care industry. She attended Tracy's Beauty Academy and went on to become a beautician. In time she came to own and operate her own beauty salon, Bev's Loving Care. She especially catered to seniors, and even kept her prices to an affordable minimum to help them out. Bev didn't just have a job or a career, she had a ministry. She developed good relationships with some of her clientele and it gave her the opportunity to share Jesus with them.

"I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord." Psalm 118:17 was Bev's life verse. She made herself available to be used of the Lord, and alert to His voice as a faithful, godly servant. It was her heart's desire to be obedient to the Word of God in furthering the kingdom of heaven, and she always did so with grace. Bev counted the greatest day of her life to be the day she was baptized. Although every day she was able to share the love of Jesus were special days in her eyes.

When Bev was in high school, there was a boy she met named Bob Kirk. One day Bev was pestering Bob in the library and he got so frustrated that he threw her pencils out the school window. Although they were just acquaintances then, it wasn't until after high school when they developed a friendship. Bob came up with excuses to visit her parent's store, when in fact he simply wanted to see Bev. They began dating, and after a year announced their engagement A year later they happily shared vows of marriage on October 3, 1959 at Mattawan Congregational Church.

After getting settled into their new life together, Bev and Bob soon experienced the blessing of parenthood. Their son, born in 1962, was fondly named after her brother, Lynden. In 1965 their daughter, Marcie came along, followed by Joan in 1966 who completed their family. As a mother, Bev was attentive and loving. From her children's earliest years, she shared God's Word with them and taught them about his endless, forgiving love. When it came to discipline, she was a littler more easy going and on the softer side than that of her husband. While Bob worked, Bev remained at home and made a wonderful home for her family.

Bev was quite active in her kid's lives. They rode horses together, attended fairs, and went camping when able to get away. So devoted as a mom, all the neighbor kids hung out at their house where she made everyone feel welcome. She affectionately became known as "Mom Kirk" to all the kids, and offered stability and love to some who otherwise may not have had that type of reassurance. When grandchildren came along, Bev loved them dearly and was very close to each of them. Even thinking about them gave her joy, and she prayed for them faithfully as she did for all her loved ones.

When they became empty-nesters, Bev and Bob enjoyed bowling together. She was also heavily into ceramics, china dolls, and decorative painting. As a couple they attended a Marriage Encounter which was meaningful and enlightening to both of them. They went on to minister the love of Christ with other married couples, and for 20 years their ministry together was helping people in this powerful way. Bev used the Bible as her guide in her daily walk. Christ was her joy, and life. She had many verses and passages from God's Word which spoke to her heart throughout the years, and her faith saw her through many hard times in life. Yet in the last few weeks, Psalm 103 became very special to Bev, and blessed her with a graceful strength for the days ahead.

As a disciple of the Lord Jesus, it was Bev's pleasure to serve the Lord. Within the heart of Bev, there was a place where she held the gift and ability to share the Word of Christ in nearly any circumstance. It came freely to her, and without reservation. It was in her nature to love others, and through her love, she was very generous. Lessons in her life were passed on to others, especially her children and grandchildren which will always remain a treasure. To young girls and woman alike, she felt strongly about presenting oneself as a lady and finding ones place of respect. Respecting each other in general was very important, and trusting God and believing His Word was the way to a faithful heart. She also learned and shared that in discovering who we are as individuals and appreciating what we truly have in Christ are key to a godly life.

Bev experienced failing health over the last few years and it gradually continued to weaken her frail body. At the age of 72, Beverly Kirk went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, June 26, 2012 with her family surrounding her with love.

Members of her family include her husband of 52 years, Bob; her children: Lynden Kirk, Marcie ( William) Willsea, Joan (Douglas) Opfer; four grandchildren: Tony, Matthew, Elizabeth, Amber; her great-grandson, Anthony; and her brother, Lynden. She was preceded in death by her brother, Doug.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, June 29, 2012 at the Valley Family Church of Kalamazoo, 2500 Vincent Avenue, Kalamazoo 49024 with Pastor Jeff Jones officiating. Her family will greet friends for 30 minutes prior to the service and at a reception, catered by church family, immediately following the service. Please visit Bev’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com to share a favorite memory, photo and to sign her online guest book. Memorial contributions may be made to the Epic Commission at Valley Family Church of Kalamazoo. Arrangements by Life Story Funeral Homes, Betzler-Kalamazoo, 6080 Stadium Drive, 375-2900.