Beverly Dorothy Davidson

Beverly Dorothy Davidson, 97, a life resident of Traverse City, passed away Saturday, January 3, 2015 at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City. Born Wednesday, September 26, 1917 in Traverse City to one of the area's pioneer families, she was the first of three children born to Agnes Ruth (Bonner) and Thomas Albert Wilhelm, D.D.S. Beverly attended Traverse City schools, where in high school she was the only female in the physics class, and graduated as valedictorian of the Class of 1935. She then attended the Lewis-Chapin Business School in Traverse City, eventually working in her father's dental practice for three years, and then as a legal secretary. On Saturday September 24, 1938, she married Glenn Earl Davidson in her parent's home with The Rev. Dr. Howard Towne of First Congregational Church officiating. She and Glenn were blessed with a daughter, Glenys. After Glenys was grown, Beverly began a career in the Farm Labor section of the MESC as a claims processor. Beverly was a life member of First Congregational Church.

Beverly loved to play bridge and often hosted her bridge club at the Traverse City Golf and Country Club where she and Glenn were members. She often commented that playing bridge was never about the game or winning or losing, but rather about socializing with her many dear friends. She was known for her impeccable taste and sense of style, with never a hair out of place. She always looked forward to and rarely missed her appointments with Janette at Murra's Hair Care. Beverly enjoyed working the daily word jumble and crossword puzzle. On Sunday, she would complete the New York Times crossword puzzle with ease. On the more active side, at the age of 87, she could still open the hood (spring-loaded) of her 1977 Buick and successfully attach the battery charger. Beverly had a quiet intelligence about her, but given a cause, she would speak out as she did a number of years ago before the Traverse City Commission in opposition to accessory dwelling units.

Beverly is survived by her daughter and son in law, Glenys and David Cowperthwaite of Traverse City. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews: Brent (Michelle) Larkin, Jan (Don) Kiessel, April Showers-Cox, Jacqueline Kuempel, James Wilhelm and very special members of the extended Larkin family. Beverly was preceded in death by her husband, Glenn, her best friend and sister Bonnie (Edwin) Larkin, by her brother Gordon (Fern) Wilhelm and a nephew, Gerald Wilhelm.

Glenys would like to extend her sincere thanks to the staff at Brigadoon/Boardman Lake Glens for the care and friendship extended to her mother and also to Dr. Paul Ward for his excellent and compassionate care.

Beverly will be remembered at a graveside service this summer at Oakwood Cemetery, with the date and time to be announced at that time. Memorial contributions in her name may be directed to The Webber Heart Center, c/o The Munson Healthcare Regional Foundation, 1150 Medical Campus Drive, Traverse City 49684 ( www.munsonhealthcare.org ) or to Meals on Wheels, 3963 Three Mile Road., North, Traverse City, MI 49686.

Please share your memories of Beverly with her family by way of her online guest book at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .

The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.