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Beverly Ann Van Buren, age 97, passed away on Sunday, April 7, 2024 from heart issues and a broken hip. She died in her home surrounded by family and friends who came to express their gratitude for the love she shared in their lives so freely.
She had been a resident of Hulon Green senior community in West Columbia, SC since 2011.
She was born June 30, 1926, in Alameda County, California to Doris L Gilhams, age 23, and Ledger Dale Ford, age 29. Her brother, James A. Ford, was born May 8, 1930, in Oakland, CA when Beverly was 3 years old. She was of English, Danish/Swedish, and German descent. She attended DePauw University in Greencastle, IN and was a member of the Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority (Class of 1948).
Beverly was raised in the Methodist denomination, and brought her three children up at Bethany Methodist Church in Charleston, SC. She had a simple faith. While not a Bible scholar, the love of God was written in her heart. She was compassionate and kind, and always ready to encourage or help if she could.
Besides being a devoted mother, housewife and wonderful cook, Beverly wore many hats over the years. She loved to garden and led the Garden Club in Charleston, SC for many years. She was a part-time librarian at Riverland Terrace Elementary School in James Island, SC. She did proof reading for real estate listings in Ft. Lauderdale. She provided daycare for her grandchildren for many years. In Columbia, SC she was treasurer for her church circle, bridge game coordinator, and neighborhood welcome coordinator for new residents in her Hulon Green community. Perhaps her best job was office manager for her husband’s fishing chair business. She taught herself bookkeeping, computer skills, and accounting and was an indispensable partner in the success of their company.
She was preceded in death by her father, Ledger D. Ford (DePauw University graduate, class of 1920, Lambda Chi Alpha), and her husband, Tracy H. Van Buren, Jr. (University of Florida graduate, class of 1950, Lambda Chi Alpha).
She married Tracy Henry Van Buren, Jr. in June of 1947 in Sturgis. They had three children together and were married 53 years. Her children went on to hold jobs as CEO, psychologist, and master mechanic.
Beverly is survived by her three children, Sherry Lynn (Chuck) Anth, West Columbia, SC, James Henry Van Buren (Shaunene), Kentwood, MI, and Scott Ross Van Buren (Teresa), Sweetwater, TN; her 7 grandchildren, David West, Dana West-McElwee (John), Caroline Cruz (Mike), Christopher Van Buren (Ayten), April Van Buren, Shawn Van Buren (deceased) (Faith), and Alex Van Buren; and 5 great-grandchildren, Benjamin West, Jessica West, Emily McElwee, Malena McElwee, Thor Cruz and Aya Van Buren.
Funeral Services will be at the Mt. Hebron Methodist Church in West Columbia, SC on Thursday, April 11, 2024 at 5:30 PM. A graveside and burial with her husband, Tracy Henry Van Buren (1925-2000) and other Van Buren family will be held at 4:00 on Saturday, April 13th at the Prairie River Cemetery in Centreville. The Rev. Sue Babb of the First United Methodist Church in Sturgis will officiate.
The Hackman Family Funeral Homes of Sturgis is assisting the family with local arrangements.
