Shirley Dare Blackwell Beverly
Shirley Dare Blackwell Beverly was born on May 10, 1935, in Covington, Virginia, the third of four daughters born to Wallace and Alma Blackwell. Named after the first English child born in America, Virginia Dare, Shirley carried her name with pride.
She enjoyed running through the hills and valleys of Virginia as a child. Shirley never liked to eat much and was a skinny little girl, which worried her parents. To help build her appetite, her “Daddy,” as she always called him, would send her running to a nearby railroad track and back. When she returned, he rewarded her with a nickel and a piece of pie. She loved pie and became known as his “little pie girl.”
Shirley and her family later moved to Salem, Virginia, where she began school. The principal often complimented her pretty dresses, and Shirley would proudly reply, “My mama made this one too.” She loved singing in the choir at Villa Heights Baptist Church every Sunday morning alongside her best friend, Patty.
After graduating from Andrew Lewis High School, Shirley became a secretary at General Electric, where she developed a lifelong love of coffee. During this time, Patty introduced her to a young man named Roscoe Everett Beverly, known as “Buck.”
In 1956, after dating for several years, Shirley and Buck married and settled in Roanoke, where they welcomed their first three daughters. In 1966, Buck’s job with Norfolk & Western Railroad transferred him to the Cleveland, Ohio area, where their fourth daughter was born. Shirley later worked in Elyria, Ohio, as a bookkeeper for Wilmot Printing for many years.
Shirley loved raising her four girls. She made sure their hair was neatly combed, their clothes pressed, and their shoes polished. She taught them good manners, how to behave respectfully in public, and to always do their very best in school. If one of the girls wanted to go shopping, she was already in the car, ready to go. She will always be remembered for the care and excitement she poured into Christmases, Thanksgivings, and birthdays.
Shirley was also known for her wisdom. Through her many life experiences, she learned how to listen, understand, and guide her daughters with advice they carry with them to this day.
In 1986, Buck was transferred once again, this time to Indianapolis. During these years, they became grandparents to ten grandchildren. Upon retiring, Buck and Shirley enjoyed traveling to the beaches of the East Coast and the mountains and casinos of the West Coast. Most of all, Shirley treasured time spent with her grandchildren.
Shirley is survived by her four daughters: Sherry Aleski (Mark), Karen Dill (Clay), Lisa Beverly (Larry Boehm), and Lorrie Roberts (Todd); ten grandchildren: Kyle (Jennifer), Corey, Chad (Tristin), Kara, Abby, Sara (Sam), Jake, Hunter, and Elliana; great-grandchildren: Tatum, Hallie, Henry, Lacey, Nicolas, Dahlia, Haven, and another great-grandson on the way; her sisters Joyce Taylor and Barbara Cowan; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Roscoe Everett “Buck” Beverly; her grandson, Alex Aleski; her sister, Brenda Risner; her father, Wallace C. Blackwell; and her mother, Alma Blackwell Freedman.
After a brief illness, Shirley passed away peacefully just as the sun was about to rise on Sunday, February 15, 2026. She lived a beautiful 90 years.
Rest in peace, Mama. Enjoy your pie and coffee. We are sure your hair is combed and your shoes are polished. We will make sure ours are as well.
Love forever,
Your girls
Services will be held at Lotz Funeral Home in Salem, Virginia, on Monday, February 23. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by the service at 2:00 p.m. She will be laid to rest at Sherwood Memorial Park alongside her beloved Buck.
The family would like to thank Franciscan Hospice House in Greenwood, Indiana, for the outstanding care given to our mother in her final days.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Franciscan Hospice House or to your favorite charity in memory of Roscoe and Shirley Beverly.
