Beverly Marie Brower

Beverly Marie Gravengaard was born in Des Moines, Iowa on December 3, 1930, and passed away at her home in Plano, Texas on February 11, 2013. Beverly was the second daughter of three daughters born to Elmer and Elisa Hansen Gravengaard. Raised in her grandfather?s church, she continually attended worship services and Sunday school, remaining a part of a church community her entire life. For all her 82 years, Beverly was known as a woman of grace and elegance.Beverly attended Grand View College in Des Moines, Iowa where she met Paul Raymond Brower. After being engaged for two years, they married on June 8, 1952?a marriage that modeled respect and commitment for 58 years. She taught school after graduating from Iowa State Teacher?s College. While raising their four children, she went back to college where she and Paul completed their Bachelor?s degrees from Murray State University in 1971 to the delight of their children who clapped and whistled as they both walked across the stage. She also went on to earn her Master?s degree in education with a specialty in Reading. Beverly believed that a good education was deserved by all. Her education career spanned from being a reading specialist for the Brown Education Center in Louisville to helping adults attain a GED while serving their sentence in the Coffield Unit of the Texas prison system. She grew flowers to cut, arrange and display in her home?there were usually fresh flowers somewhere. Among her creative talents were pottery, watercolor, pastels and playing an excellent hand of bridge. She and Paul traveled the world, taking cruises to exotic ports as well as enjoying a good book while at a state park. All who knew the two of them were dazzled when watching them glide across the dance floor together. They played golf into their mid-70?s. Exercise was an integral part of her weekly routine, especially yoga. Beverly Marie Gravengaard Brower is survived by Children: Jancine Marie MacDougall and husband Duncan, Thomas Raymond Brower, Kathleen Annette Risinger and husband Scott; Grandchildren: Jeffrey Lee Martin and his wife Kelli, Jill Marie Whitehead and her husband Michael, Justin Pender Brower, Ashley Pender Brower, Ryan Joseph Boddie and David O?Neil Boddie; Great-grandchildren: Brooklyn Marie Whitehead, Presley Jo Whitehead, Jackson Paul Martin and Laila Mae Martin; Sister: Phyllis Maureen Freeman. She is predeceased by her husband Paul Raymond Brower, her son Matthew Glen Brower and sister Sonja McClanahan.A private family memorial service will be conducted at a later date. Burial will follow beside her husband at DFW National Cemetery.

Beverly Marie Brower

December 3, 1930 - February 11, 2013