Beverly Jean Martin Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Beverly Jean Willis was born on August 24, 1934 in Los Angeles, California, during the heart of The Great Depression. She was the third of five Willis children to Joseph and Bessie Willis, English and Irish descendants from Colorado and Missouri. She took pride in documenting her family’s genealogy with the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) listing several of her ancestors serving in the American Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and the Civil War. Mr. Willis worked in the WWII aircraft industry and moved his family from Gardena to rural Inland Empire for work at the new Kaiser Steel Mill in 1943. He was a transportation technician, and was able set up a nice boysenberry ranch business in Bloomington during his off hours, whereby Beverly and her siblings worked on their JO-BE farm and where they finished their grade school education. She loved riding on motorcycles and witnessed the rise of the POBOB car/motorcycle club and other bike clubs in the area. Beverly attended Colton High School as a student with the Class of 1952. She completed her high school work at Fontana High School, night courses. She developed office management skills while at attending Skadron Business College, in San Bernardino. While raising three children Ronald, Donald Jr, and Sharon she was able to start a business career in early 1960s with local real estate offices. General Electric Company opened a service repair office in Bloomington, where Beverly was able to join the company as a service writer and dispatcher. During her 10 years with G.E., Beverly was able invest heavily in G.E. preferred stocks giving her a sizable portfolio by the 1980s. Living in Washington for a short time, working with G.E., she left the company to gain employment as an inmate case manager with California State Prison System. During the 1980s, she returned to college and completed an Associate’s Degree from San Bernardino Valley College with a solid “A” average and she made the Dean’s list every semester. Beverly retired about age 70 and began spending her CALPERS annuity with great enjoyment. During her retirement she enjoyed making upgrades to her Redlands historic district, house – a house she was so proud of that was made possible by her wise investments beginning in the 1960/70s. She loved the ocean, gardening, and shopping in Redlands. Beverly loved her children and was very proud of her grandchildren. Church and social activities with Fontana First Baptist and the Lions Club of Rialto gave her great joy. Her son, Donald made great efforts to include her in his, activities – she loved his attention and accommodations. They collected desert rocks, she collected sea shells, dolls, and porcelain birds in her later years. Living alone for so many years, she found shopping as an outlet for fun. She loved 1950s/60s Ford Thunderbirds. Beverly suffered from falls during her last year, causing her great pain that accelerated her depression and memory loss. However, this was overcome spiritually by her deep faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and she always endured by HIS mercy and comfort. Her children were not always kind to her in life, but she loved them as much as any mom would, for this alone she has great rewards in Heaven. Her children must always reflect on her example. Son Donald was respectful and loyal to her. Her eldest son, Ronald, was proud her accomplishments, and is greatly appreciative of her exceptional work ethic, business skills, and so as his dad provided, so did Beverly – her financial affairs were well in order. Rest in THE LORD Beverly, dearest mom. You definitely made it in on July 30, 2019 – from Redlands, California.

Beverly Jean Martin

August 24, 1934 - July 30, 2019