Beverly Younger

Beverly “Jean” Younger of Kalamazoo, age 85, gained her wings on April 22, 2024. Jean was born July 25, 1938 in Paw Paw, MI to Benjamin Ampey and Frances (Bradley) Ampey.

As a child, Jean grew up on a farm with her parents and five siblings. This is where she learned to be a leader and a hard worker. She enjoyed playing with piglets on the farm and assisting her mother with household chores.

In the years following her move to Kalamazoo, Jean entered the workforce. As a result of Jean's successful civil rights case in 1968, she became the first African American woman employed by US Plywood in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The next 50 years were spent working for a variety of companies.

When Jean was not working, she enjoyed spending time with her family, especially with her grandchildren. Most days she would keep herself busy knitting, crocheting, painting or being involved in some other crafty hobby. She was also known as an extraordinary seamstress and blessed with a green thumb.

Most will remember Jean for her beautiful smile, chicken and dumplings, and delicious apple pies.

Jean is preceded in death by her parents Benjamin and Frances Ampey and siblings Donald Ampey, Joyce Ampey, David Ampey, Carol (Ampey) Woody and Sherry (Ampey) Smith.

Survived by her children: Vera Younger of Kalamazoo, Anthony Younger Jr. of South Bend, Indiana and Bobbi Jo (Mitchell) Abrams of St. Petersburg, Florida; grandchildren: Aliah (Steffon) Wafford, Anthony (Christel) Younger III, Jodi Younger, Lauren Younger, Ashley (JaRell) Nabors, Antoine Younger, Kobe Abrams and Karah Abrams; Great grandchildren: LaNeiha, Trynity, Niza, Latravion, Lamarion, Jeantece, Jordan, Jaida, Antoine Jr. and Amiyah; a special nephew Elroy, bonus granddaughter Porsha Banks and many more nieces and nephews. She will be greatly missed by all.

Visit Beverly’s webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com to archive favorite memories, photos, and sign her guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to Zelle at 269-599-2628, verad@gmail.com.

Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo 269-375-2900.