- March 4, 2026
Betty Jean Beveridge, age 91, passed away peacefully on March 1, 2026.
Betty was born Betty Jean Wecker on August 6, 1934, in St. Louis, Missouri. As a young woman, her family moved to The Hill, the close-knit Italian community in St. Louis, while she attended Harris Teachers College. She wasted no time finding her stride. Betty was crowned May Queen of her college, earned her Bachelor’s degree, and met the love of her life, Don Wayne Beveridge.
Betty and Don were married on December 12, 1953, at Saint Ambrose Catholic Church on The Hill, surrounded by the family and community she loved so deeply.
Throughout her life, Betty carried the spirit of that tight-knit upbringing with her. As Don’s career moved their growing family, she became known everywhere they lived as someone who gathered people together. She built fun, loving relationships, created lasting memories, and welcomed everyone with open arms.
Betty carried her big heart around the globe and truly never met a stranger. While she and Don shared a deep loveof travel, their greatest joy was always their family. Together they created what became known as “CampBeveridge,” where children and grandchildren gathered to experience life and adventure together. Sometimes that meant time together at home in Florida, and other times it meant traveling as far as Africa, South America, the Arctic Circle, or Antarctica. Nothing made Betty happier than watching her children and grandchildren grow into the amazing people she always believed they would become.
As her family grew, so did her desire to try new challenges. In her 60s, Betty trained for and completed marathons, inspiring not only herself but everyone around her to push past what seemed impossible.She encouraged and inspired many of her children and grandchildren to complete marathons, ultra-marathons, Ironman triathlons, and other challenges. Betty was the spark that lit that flame for so many.
Despite a life filled with travel, accomplishments, and a beautiful 69-year marriage to Don, Betty remained humble and deeply loving to everyone fortunate enough to know her. She believed in celebrating life—sometimes with ice cream for dinner, standing on your head just because you could, or sharing a glass of Johnnie Walker Red with friends while laughing about life.
Her home reflected the life she cherished, filled with mementos from her travels and photographs of the family she loved so dearly. Betty’s life was guided by her faith, her devotion to her husband and family, and her love of country. Those values were the secret to a life beautifully lived.
Betty Jean Beveridge is survived by her children and their spouses: Donna Cleveland (Mark), Diane Beveridge, Dirk Beveridge (Gail), Debbie Taylor (Robert), and Dawn Sydney (Meredith). She was also the mother of Don Beveridge III (Natalie), who preceded her in death.
She is survived by her grandchildren: Marc Cleveland (Leah), Nicolle Baker (Travis), Latitia Savell (Curtis), Dirk Beveridge Jr. (Marina), Allison Beveridge, Lindsey Taylor, Trey Taylor, Katie Taylor, and Patrick Taylor.
Her great-grandchildren include Glenn, Austin, and Kathryn Baker, and Eland, Ava, Irah, Adler, Edith, and Ivan Savell.
Betty is also survived by her brother, William P. Wecker (Sharon).
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 69 years, Don Beveridge Jr.; her parents, William T. and Mary Wecker; her sister, Nancy Brasier; and her grandchildren, Donald Beveridge IV and Eric Beveridge.
A Memorial Mass celebrating Betty’s life will be held:
Saturday, March 7, 2026 – 11:00 AM
Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church
St. Joseph’s Chapel
12905 State Road 70 East Lakewood Ranch, Florida 34202
