Beverly Biggs

Beverly R. Biggs (nee Gavin)

Beverly R. Biggs, 87 years of age, of Beach Park, Illinois, passed peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on the morning of August 8, 2024. A great number of family, friends and former colleagues grieve her loss but cherish her memory. Beverly was born on June 11, 1937, to her parents Avery and Delia Gavin at her grandfather’s farm on Highway M of Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. Beverly cherished her brother, Herbert Francis, and sister Sandra Lou greatly.

 She was a devoted wife to Aubrey F. Biggs Sr. for over 66 years until his passing earlier this year. When she spoke of their early days as a couple she said she fell in love with him because he was a “sweet talking, nice smelling, sharply dressed man.” Beverly and Aubrey cultivated a love for each other, family, and classic cars. They both competed in classic car shows and she would want you to know she proudly bested him at such events on more than one occasion.

Beverly was a follower of Jesus Christ and was Baptized and dedicated her life to Christ at a young age at The United Evangelical Methodist Church in Bloomer, Wisconsin. She enjoyed reading the Bible and singing the old hymns. 

Beverly attended Eau Claire State University and pursued a career as an Elementary School Teacher. She taught first grade for 43 years, 42 years at West Elementary in the Zion School District #6 She educated thousands of children during her tenure and fondly recalled her days as an educator, especially helping students learn to read. Reading was one of her favorite personal pastimes and she could often be found reading in her recliner late into the night. Beverly was a lifetime member of the National Education Association and a lifetime member of the Illinois Educator Association as well. 

Beverly is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth Erickson; grandchildren, Joshua Biggs (Amber), Destiny Biggs, Presley Biggs, Aubrey James Biggs, David Robinson, Jennifer (Chris) Langston, Amanda (Steve) Pershke, Joshua Erickson, Jacob Erickson (Missy), Jessica Erickson, Shelly (Chad) Ward, and Cynthia McKinney; several great-grandchildren; many great-great-grandchildren; niece, Diane (Jerry) Nelson of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin; and nephew, Jacob (Sarah) Martin of Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

Beverly was compassionately cared for by her long-time caregivers: Debora Carmody, Maria Bara Guadarrama, Angie Morales. She received excellent medical care from the nurses and staff of Journey Care, especially Hailey, Donna, Jessica, Chaplain Tim, et, al…

Beverly was preceded in death by her loving husband, Aubrey F. Biggs Sr.; her parents, Avery and Delia Gavin; her children, Robert Lee Biggs, Charles Otis Biggs, Debra Biggs, Aubrey F. Biggs Jr., and Edmond McKinley; four grandchildren; and her great-grandson, Gabriel Biggs.