Beverly Jean Pettit

Beverly Jean Pettit (Wiens) passed from this Earth August 8, 2022 on a Monday, in her home. She was 65 years old. Beverly was born February 21, 1957 to Elmer and Floy Wiens at Lake Charles, Louisiana.

Beverly was the 2nd born of six children. The first daughter, so she started young learning to work and care for her younger siblings. Her father Elmer served in the army, so they traveled around some and then settled the family in Dora, Missouri in March 1972, Beverly’s sophomore year, where she attended Dora R-III. This is where she would meet the love of her Life, James Patrick Pettit.

Beverly would then graduate salutatorian of her class. Right out of high-school, Pat and Bev married August 16th,1975. Through school she’d help Pat run his family’s canoe rental, then worked at Brown Shoe Factory. After graduating, she worked at Marathon 10 years. But she just couldn’t do it anymore. She cried to her husband, “All I’ve ever wanted to do was be a teacher.” So right then and there they both worked even harder so she could go to college. Beverly attended Missouri State, taking night classes at West Plains and then graduating from Springfield with her bachelors. Then she worked as a graduate assistant while completing her masters in business education.

Beverly first taught at Alton 2 years. Though a short time, her impact was so memorable it felt longer to those around her. She then taught at Willow Springs High School 27 years. Also running FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America). She inspired so many generations of kids to believe in themselves and challenge their abilities, while genuinely caring and listening to them. She drove the school bus for 6 years, becoming like a mother to even more kids.

Alongside her amazing career, she and her husband put a lot of work into their land. Over the years they raised hogs, cows, horses and chickens. Always working and crafting around their property. They also instilled this work ethic in their daughter, Sylvia and grandson, Oliver. Bev kept a delicious garden of green beans, tomatoes, lettuce and red peppers. She loved tending to her rose bushes and hung up her hummingbird feeders every year. Bev loved to cook and bake, homemade recipes if she had the time. She loved to read, sew, play with her grandson and watch western movies. Christmas was her favorite holiday, all the kids had ornaments for each year together.

Beverly is survived by her husband, James Pettit; daughter, Sylvia Pettit-Sparks; 2 Grandsons, Oliver and Arthur Pettit-Sparks; 2 sisters, Sherry Wheat and Tina Eagleburger; 3 brothers, Denny Wiens, Monty Wiens and Thomas Wiens; and more family and friends who will miss her dearly.

“Although it’s difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow.”