Beverly G. Wilcox

Bev was born Oct. 28, 1931, in Spokane, Wash. to Russell and Hazel Gilliam and passed away March 11, 2015.           She was the oldest of three children. She is survived by sister Shirley Radon and was preceded in death by brother Delbert Gilliam. 

Bev married James Lee Wilcox on June 28, 1952 in Four Lakes, Wash.  Beverly received her bachelor's and masters in education from Eastern Washington University. She was an elementary school teacher starting her career in Athol, Idaho in 1951 and retiring from Valley Christian School in 1986. 

Lee and Bev raised five children: Gayle, Jim, Laurie, Dave and Paul (1960-2012) in Four Lakes where she was active in church, school and community functions. 

After retiring she and Lee lived 10 years in Arizona and enjoyed traveling in their RV throughout the U.S. and Canada. They returned to Spokane nine years ago and settled in Spokane Valley. She loved rock collecting, crafting, candymaking, genealogy and was an active member of TOPS and KOPS.

Nothing brought her more joy than time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They knew they were loved and treasured as she shared her enthusiasm for life with them.

Her welcoming heart and home were open to many people over the years.  In particular, Fred Swan and his family became part of her own. 

She is being remembered by her husband Lee, her children: Gayle and George Brown, Jim and Kim Wilcox, Laurie and Greg Heard, David and Corinne Wilcox; her grandchildren: Amy, Leah, Eli, Nathaniel, Benjamin, Zach, Tyrus and Rosie; her great grandchildren: Camille, Josephine, Madilyn, Elijah, Ezra, Kepler, Caleb and Jonathan plus many cousins, nephew, nieces and friends. 

Memorials in Beverly's name may be sent to Comfort Keepers, Anna Ogden Hall, Four Lakes Community Church or Spokane Baptist Church. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 16, at Cheney Funeral Chapel. Visit the online guestbook at cheneyfuneral.com.