Beverly Grace Atherton

Beverly Grace Atherton, 88, of Thomson, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, July 16, 2026, surrounded by her loving daughters. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at Law-Jones Funeral Home, in Thomson. Burial will follow at Lower York Cemetery, in Thomson. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at Law-Jones Funeral Home, in Thomson. A memorial fund has been established.

Beverly was born on February 12, 1938, in Derinda, Illinois, to Harry and Eleanor (Hatfield) Forry. She graduated from Savanna High School and married Richard Atherton on May 18, 1957. Beverly devoted more than 35 years of dedicated service to the Thomson and West Carroll School Districts, where she made a lasting impact on countless students, colleagues, and families throughout her career. Above all, she cherished her family and found her greatest joy in spending time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and beloved grand-furbabies. She especially looked forward to the cherished annual adventure trips she shared with her daughters, creating memories that will be treasured for generations.

Beverly was known for her compassionate, loving, and generous heart, always offering kindness, encouragement, and a helping hand to anyone in need. Many of her children’s friends came to think of her as a second mother because of the warmth, acceptance, and unwavering support she so freely gave. She was a Candy Crush aficionado, and her sassy personality kept her daughters and grandchildren smiling and on their toes. Her quick wit, playful sense of humor, and infectious laughter brought joy to family gatherings and brightened the lives of those around her. She also treasured the simple moments, especially spending evenings watching Hallmark movies and crime dramas with her daughter, Kathy.

Beverly will be deeply missed by her children, Kimberly (Ross) Drury, Kathy (Atherton) Raymond, Karyn (Rich) Mabeus, and Kory (Angela) Atherton-Bertolozzi ; her grandchildren, Christopher (Jenn) Drury, David (Rachel) Raymond, Monika Raymond, Alicia (Jacob) Borman, Angela Watkins, Wendy Struxness, Brent Mabeus, Scott (Nicole) Mabeus, and Brooklyn Bertolozzi; 13 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; and several nieces and nephews who she loved dearly.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Richard; her son, Kevin; her parents, Harry and Eleanor Forry; her sister, Barbara Kessler; and her great-grandsons, Dylan Cole and Austin Watkins.