Beverly J Hix, of Galesburg, Illinois passed away peacefully at 5:30 pm, Saturday, February 17, 2024, at her home surrounded by her family.
Beverly was born November 3, 1935, in Galesburg, the daughter of William A. and Mildred (Dugger) Cooley. She married the love of her life, Jack R Hix, on May 3, 1953, in Galesburg. He preceded her in death on August 2, 2009, after 56 years of marriage.
Left to cherish her memory are her children, Starr (Jeff) Marty of Galesburg, Kevin (the late Jean) Hix of Killeen Texas, Keith (Anne) Hix of Gainesville, Georgia, Bradley (Ann) Hix of Galesburg, and Kelly Gomer of Williamsfield: one sister, Marjorie Osborn of Aurora, Colorado. Beverly is also survived by 10 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and 1 great, great grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband, two infant daughters, Terri Lee and Pamela Sue, her parents, and three brothers, Richard Cooley, Robert Cooley, and Donald Cooley.
Beverly graduated from Galesburg High school in 1953. Shortly after graduation she married Jack and they moved to Tennessee where she worked for Seay’s Jewelry Store. She also worked at First National bank in Galesburg and as a medical secretary for Advanced Mobile Diagnostics. However, her most important job in her life was being a homemaker and mother to her 5 children. Family was very important to her. She was active in her children’s many school activities. She was PTA president at Silas Willard School and Lincoln Middle School. Beverly started the Picture Lady Program in District 205 that continued on for many years.
She was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church in Galesburg. She was active in many activities including Stephen Ministers, Friends and Light programs, a nursing home and hospital visitation member, served on various committees and sang in the choir for over 25 years. Through her church she met very dear friends that were like family to her. For over 50 years they shared monthly dinners and enjoyed numerous trips together.
Beverly also volunteered at Galesburg Cottage Hospital in the gift shop. She loved to help others, but the perks of yearly buying trips to Chicago were a highlight of her time with the gift shop. Beverly was very artistic, enjoying ceramics and oil painting. Each year she would turn one of her favorite winter paintings into a Christmas card.
During her final arrangements we will celebrate a life well lived. Even through the hardships she endured, she shared her love with others and made a difference to everyone she met. As her family, we will rejoice knowing she is reunited with our father and their two infant babies. Until we meet again, we will have another angel watching over us.
Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 24th, 2024, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel. A funeral service will be held directly after visitation at 12:00 p.m. in the chapel with Chaplain Jordan Knight officiating. A burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial may be made in Beverly’s name to Compassus Hospice and Gordon Behrendt’s Senior Center. Online condolences can be made at www.h-p-w.com.
