Beverly J. Soper

BEVERLY JEANNE JORGENSEN SOPER, 1933-2013

Beverly Jeanne Jorgensen Soper was born August 9, 1933. She was the only child of Raymond and Berniece Jorgensen. She graduated high school from Wisconsin Academy. While attending there she made many friends two of which she kept in touch with all her life – Lorraine and Adelle. She then attended Emmanuel Missionary College (now Andrews University) graduating in 1956 with her degree in elementary education. While attending EMC she met the love of her life, Marley Soper. They were married in 1957 and remained so until death parted them. She began teaching school and Marley finished college.

The 1960's brought two children: Scott Soper and Sheila Soper Evans. Marley was teaching at Stanton High School and Beverly was substitute teaching for the local elementary school. Then they moved from Stanton, Michigan to Wisconsin Academy located in Columbus, Wisconsin. During the summers Beverly cared for the children while Marley earned his Master's Degree in Library Science. After six years at WA they moved back to Berrien Springs, Michigan. They lived in Berrien Springs for 26 years while Marley worked in the AU Library and Beverly was primarily a stay at home Mom. Later she began teaching elementary school and eventually she started the first Day Care Center at Andrews University. She loved planning events and planned trips for the family and camping outings with friends. One of her goals in life was to step foot in each of the 50 states – and she did!!

For several years Beverly was the leader of the cradle roll Sabbath School division at the Pioneer Memorial Seventh-day Adventist church in Berrien Springs, MI. She loved working with little children.
Sheila was married and had 3 wonderful grandchildren for Beverly to enjoy: Alicia, Lorelle and Nicholas. They have been reported to be the best grandchildren in the world! Scott started a lawn business and later became a truck driver.

Then Marley got a job offer at Florida Hospital College (now Adventist University of Health Sciences) and a new adventure started in Florida. For a few years Beverly worked as an assistant manager for a local RV campground. Then she retired from working but not from planning. She continued to plan cruise trips and excursions to see friends and family.
In 2008 Beverly started attending a heated pool for therapy and made many good friends there. She enjoyed swimming and then eating at Perkins where the waiters knew her by name.

Beverly became aware of her illness on March 13, 2013. She was a fighter and gave all she had to fighting her illness. However, from surgery to passing was only seven weeks. Nurses and doctors noted her sense of humor in spite of serious issues that faced her. Beverly passed on May 2, 2013. Marley and Beverly were married 55 years.

Instead of flowers Beverly requested that contributions be made in her memory to Your Story Hour, P.O. Box 15, Berrien Springs, MI 49103 or The Marley and Beverly Scholarship Fund, C/O Adventist University of Health Sciences, 671 Winyah Drive, Orlando FL, 32803-1226