Willie J. Beverly Sr. 1960-2022

Mr. Beverly was born Sept. 11, 1960, in Youngstown, a son of James A. and Alice Ruth Showers Beverly. He was a 1978 graduate of East High School and received certifications from Choffin Vocational School for auto body mechanic and certification from Vector Security as an armed security guard. He earned multiple certifications and was employed with Youngstown Metropolitan Housing Authority as a maintenance mechanic for 30 years, retiring April 18, 2019. He was also an entrepreneur with J. A. Lawn Care Service, and co-owner of W & W Beverly Cleaning Enterprises.

He served as a basketball referee official for 12 years, officiating various high school games. He had an infectious smile that lit up a room when he entered and he was a great storyteller.

Willie enjoyed sports, was an avid Cleveland Browns fan, enjoyed the Cleveland Cavaliers and Guardians, and loved music, fashion and hats. He also enjoyed traveling and spending time with his grandchildren and family.

He leaves to mourn his passing, but to rejoice in his eternal peace, his beloved wife, the former Sabrina Evans, whom he married Oct. 5, 2013; his children, Dynell Thomas of Katy, Texas, Willie J. (LeEra) Beverly Jr. of Austintown, Stefanie (Jonathan Jr.) Price, Marquis Lee and Tysha Wilson, all of Youngstown, and Dalonte Beverly of Liberty Township; stepchildren, Brandyn Lambert of Dallas, Texas and BreOnna Lawrence of Columbus; 14 grandchildren, including Willie III, Kiera, Leah and Liam Beverly, Kyrie and Jordyn Price, Deandre Gordon and Kaia Knight; a great-granddaughter; siblings, Michelle (Anthony) Thomas and Michael Beverly, both of Youngstown, Curtis (Marolyn) Beverly of Boardman, Malikh D. Carter of Campbell, Jibri Carter of Austintown, Lynette Evans of Reynoldsburg and Wayne Evans of Youngstown; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Evangelist Earlene Neely-Evans; two grandsons, Tyler and Cameron Price; an infant sister, Rochelle Beverly; an uncle who was like a brother to him, David Showers; and grandparents, Floyd and Viola Showers.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2022, at Union Baptist Church, 528 Lincoln Ave., Youngstown. Funeral services will follow at noon. Due to the pandemic, all guests are asked to wear masks and observe social distancing.

Services of love and dignity entrusted to the L. E. Black, Phillips and Holden Funeral Home.

(special notice)