Beverly Jean Nelson DeSpain was proud to have been born and reared in Pasadena, Texas, the child of Cato and Nelwyn Burke Nelson. Father, Cato Neal Nelson, was born in Norway and came to American in 1908 where he was a longtime resident and business owner of Cato’s Café in downtown Pasadena for 31 years before passing at the age of 81. Mother, Nelwyn Nelson, also worked at the café which, of course, became Beverly’s, as well as her friends’ “go-to” place. It is no wonder that she never met a stranger, developing a quick wit and bubbly personality that was definitely a trademark to be remembered.

Beverly graduated from Pasadena High School in 1964 where she was actively involved in the marching band playing the xylophone bells. She continued her education, attending San Jacinto College for cosmetology and soon was the owner of Bev-A-Nel Beauty Box in Pasadena. While at San Jacinto College she was introduced to the love of her life, Bill DeSpain, by her best friend and neighbor Sam (Buster) Ellis. Married on October 2, 1974, Bill and Beverly made a dynamic couple! They never had children but any animal fortunate enough to have them as its owners was blessed beyond imagination. As members of the Bay Area Bird Club, they raised exotics of all varieties. Innumerable dogs and cats were also a part of their menagerie.

Bill shared his expertise in art and commercial advertising as a valuable employee of Glacier Beverages. Beverly’s dedication and Nordic work ethic made her a prized member of the staff at the main US Post Office near Intercontinental Airport for many years. Both retired from their respective employers.

Both Bill and Beverly were artistic: painting, make-up artist, hair stylist, scrapbooking, designing 3-D cards, decorative boxes and, of course, music, which was their primary shared passion. Beverly played the xylophone, piano and harp, not your ordinary run-of-the-mill instruments, for sure. She LOVED music. She was being taught piano by her grandmother at the age of 4 years old followed by her mom continuing the training.

Invited by Sam and Cheryl Ellis to join them at church, Bill and Beverly accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior in 1980 at Church of the Living Water in Deer Park. Bill, Beverly, Sam and Cheryl became a “fearsome foursome” in the early eighties. Both couples began to open their homes to fellowships, Bible studies, and prayer meetings.

As active members of the church Bill and Beverly found their ministry in singing together as the Joint Heirs and produced a CD titled “In His Presence”. They joined Don Vinson in the Bay Area Gospel Music Association and enjoyed singing all over the area for Christian sing-a-longs, concerts, and other gatherings. This was truly a dream come true for Beverly. Now all her and Bill’s other interests, while still important and enjoyable, began to take a back seat to the developing of avenues to use their gifts of music to glorify their King Jesus! Later active at Elim Church in South Houston and as of this date a member of Sagemont Church, Beverly continued in loving the Lord Jesus and living it out loud.

Bill was THE tenor she loved!! HOWEVER, in second place was the legendary David Phelps of the Gaither group. Beverly was an active club member of “David Phelps Fans and Friends” and to complete her bucket list she was thrilled to attend his concert at Sagemont Church.

In 2011 Bill’s passing and other life changing events rocked Beverly’s world. Thus, in in 2015 she moved her residence to Park Manor South Belt Skilled Nursing Facility. Naturally, she became the “belle of the ball” with numerous new friends, both residents and employees. Words cannot express our gratitude to the caring and wonderful folks at Park Manor South Belt. They made all the difference in her daily life, and that did not go unnoticed. And we CANNOT forget the amazing Sagemont Church friends and volunteers that came consistently throughout the years to encourage, pray with and be there for her.

Beverly is not dead; she has just changed addresses. Dancing the streets of gold and singing her lungs out with the heavenly hosts, she is finally full of joy everlasting!