Beverly Ann Corum of Kearney, Missouri, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2025, at the age of 88. She was born on July 22, 1936, in Macon County, Missouri, to Bond and Dorothy Williamson. The oldest of five children, she moved with her family to the Northland in 1941, where she graduated from North Kansas City High School.
Beverly married Dean Corum on April 10, 1959 and moved to Kearney, Missouri. Their union was blessed with the birth of their daughter, Kathy, who became the light of their lives.
Beverly’s passion for service and her commitment to her community were evident in every aspect of her life. She was a trailblazer for women in leadership, active in numerous civic and social organizations. Bev was elected to several terms as Clay County Treasurer, retiring in 1996, and was the first woman to serve on the Kearney Board of Aldermen, where she chaired the Budget & Finance Committee. Prior to that, she worked at EF Hutton in Kansas City. Retirement did not slow Beverly down a bit – she remained an influential force on the Board of Trustees for the Missouri Baptist Children’s Home (an organization she held dear to her heart) and the executive board for both the Clay County Archives and the Clay County Museum & Historical Society. She was also deeply involved in the Missouri Democratic Women (serving as their president from 1995-97) as well as Soroptimist International, Beta Sigma Phi, and the Daughters of the American Revolution. Beverly was a lifelong member of her church, First Baptist Church of Kearney, where she made lasting connections and touched the lives of many, especially in the Sunday School classes she taught and “her seniors” that she visited. Beverly was also an avid fan of the Kansas City Royals, a pastime that she shared with family and friends alike.
Beverly’s most treasured role was serving as the matriarch of her family. She loved nothing more than her family being together, and was delighted to add birthday celebrations, ball games, concerts, school programs, and shopping trips with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren to her datebook. Some of her favorite family moments were the trips she took with her family – Ireland in 2008, Hawaii in 2013, an Alaskan cruise in 2019, and Walt Disney World in 2022.
Beverly was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dean Corum; parents, Bond and Dorothy (Harvey) Williamson; sisters, Carol and Judy Williamson; and brother, John Williamson.
She is survived by her daughter, Kathy Harris (Chris); her granddaughters, Mandy Hill (Mike) and Lindsey Geren (Brett); and great-grandchildren, Cora and Brenna Hill and Blake and Barrett Geren; her sister, Dixie Gibson (Jess); several nieces and nephews; and a host of dear friends and extended family who will continue to honor her memory.
Visitation will be held at Fry-Bross & Spidle Funeral Home in Kearney, Missouri, on Monday, February 3, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. with service to follow at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to The LIGHT House – Missouri Baptist Children’s Home, in keeping with Beverly’s legacy of service to others.
Beverly leaves behind a profound legacy of love, strength, and unwavering dedication to family and community. She will be deeply missed, but her memory will forever remain in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.
