Beverly Thompson Hollis

Obituary For Beverly Thompson Hollis

My Story “It pains me to admit it, but apparently, I have passed away. Everyone told me it would happen one day but that’s simply not something I wanted to hear, much less experience. Once again, I didn’t get things my way! That’s been the story of my life all my life.

And while on that subject… on November 28, 1948, my parents and older sister celebrated my birth and I was introduced to all as Beverly Thompson Hollis, the daughter of Osbie Hollis and Sylvester (Howard) Hollis of Palm Beach, Florida.

I can’t believe that happened in the first half of the last century but there are records on file in the Court House which can corroborate this claim. I was introduced to my older brother George Dean Jr. (1927-1998). I also discovered my father had a daughter from a previous relationship in Quitman, Georgia named Betty Jean (Hollis) Jackson. I was the baby girl until my sister Lilliam Anita Hollis (1964-1998) was born in while I was in high school at Lincoln High in Riviera Beach, Florida.

My best friend, Willie Mae Duncan and I were living our best life while working at the electronic plant, at some point I decided to become a clerk at the Palm Beach County Property Appraisal office until my retirement. My best life became a better life in October 1983 when my baby girl and bundle of joy, Marsheka Nicole Velasquez, was born. Sadly, my baby passed in 2017 due to unnecessary gun violence in August 2017. My world was changed forever. I became a strong advocate against gun violence.

My best friend and I had lots of fun on our Saturday movie-marathon where we stayed at the theaters all day long. In case you are wondering, yes, we may as well have opened and closed the theater! Our favorite restaurant, according to me was Red Lobster, although from time to time, I would order from Jimmy Johns because “they deliver fast!” My favorite vacation was a cruise but as much as I loved it, “I believe that my best-friend Willie Mae was scared!” Oops, did that slip out? At one time I thought about spending this time in the ocean, but I think it is better for me to rest next to my baby girl.

That brings me to Jesus and my spirituality. Well, there is not much to tell except I have been very active in Church, at least until I moved to Georgia. Mama, Syl used to make me go to church every Sunday morning and believe it or not, I did learn something, I know you are not laughing! Well, when I got grown, I became a member at Christian Temple AME when Reverend Jean Dixon was Pastor. After, the Port Authority began buying all the property in the area, I joined Marsheka at Central Baptist Church.

I thought that I could get a different outlook on life’s journey if I moved to Quitman, Georgia to be with my sister. But dog-gone-it, my time with ended on October 10, 2022. Many of you, I did not have a chance to tell that I will miss our conversations. I have to go, because my number has been called, “I’ll be there in a minute, if you will allow me to finish one more paragraph.” “Thanks!” I say goodbye to: my sisters Betty Jackson of Quitman, GA; Louise Carter (Curtis) of Pavo, GA; my brother Billy Joe Maxwell of Lake City, FL my uncle Edward Hollis of West Palm Beach, FL my aunt Retha Payne of West Palm Beach; my nephew Curtis Jackson of Valdosta, GA for getting me where I want to be; my care-giver Debra Young of Quitman, GA for being there in my time of need; all my other nieces and nephew; all my cousins and other relatives and all my friends, yea, I mean you!

Oh yea, before I forget, you know that happens when you get to be my age, I want to personally thank the staff at Stevens-McGhee Funeral Home in Quitman, Georgia and the staff at Timothy E. Kitchens Funeral Home in Riviera Beach, FL for taking care of me during my resting time.

There are no buildings named after me; nor monuments erected in my honor; nor any highways or bridges. But I DID have the chance to know and love each and every friend as well as all my family members. I am one truly blessed person! One more thing, remember… do your best, enjoy your journey, and make something amazing out of your life and never stop smiling.

If you want to, you can look for me in the evening sunset or with the earliest spring sunflower or amongst the flitting and fluttering butterflies. You know I’ll be there in one form or another. Of course that will probably comfort some while upsetting others, but you know me… that’s what I do. I’ll leave you with this…please don’t cry because I’m gone; instead be happy that I was here. (Or maybe you can cry a little bit. After all, I have passed away). Today I am happy, and I am dancing. Probably naked, just kidding! Love you forever.” Favorite Scripture: Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Psalm 23:4 (King James Version) Favorite Color: Yellow Sunflower A celebration of life will be Saturday, October 15, 2022 at 1PM at the Stevens-McGhee Funeral Home chapel. Burial will take place on Saturday, October 22, 2022 at Glenwood Memorial Cemetery in Riviera Beach, FL. Visit this website to view a livestream of the home going celebration.

Continue to keep the family in your daily thoughts and prayers.