Obituary of Beverly Jean Pree

Beverly Jean Chappell, daughter of the late William and Olivia (Walker) Chappell, was born on July 23, 1942, in Monroe, Michigan. She attended Monroe Public Schools, graduating with the Class of 1960. A member of the Monroe High School marching band, Beverly played the baritone sax.

On October 6, 1961, Beverly married Chauncey O. Reed, who preceded her in death. From this union was born three children: Rosalind, Robert, and Rodney. Beverly began working in retail at the Federal Department Store shortly after high school. She later took employment with Sears Roebuck, from which she retired after thirty years of service. Not one to stay idle, Beverly began working at Crafts 2000 and then retired a second time in 1997 after ten additional years of service. During her early days at Sears, she had a companionship with Leroy Wise for many years. On July 1, 1994, Beverly wed Melvin Pree in Toledo, Ohio, and the couple enjoyed fifteen years of marriage.

Beverly loved watching black and white Westerns and classic movies, with “Gone With the Wind” and “The Ten Commandments” being among her favorites. In her early years she loved to travel and made several trips to visit her Great Aunt Alice in Sacramento, California and Great Aunt Lucy in Chicago, Illinois. Summers were often spent on the road in the family’s motorhome. An avid University of Michigan football fan, Beverly even had the fight song as her ringtone. She experienced the thrill of cheering on her favorite team at “The Big House” itself and faithfully flew a U of M flag outside her home for every game. A prolific photographer, Beverly had an eye for capturing the perfect shot. She cherished her beloved collection of elephants.

A lifelong member of Carey Chapel A.M.E. Church, Beverly worshipped inside those Almyra Street walls for sixty years until its closing. She then transferred her membership to Pleasant Valley A.M.E. in Belleville, Michigan. Beverly loved her church family including Rev. Eric and First Lady Tamika Tucker. Also, Rev. Crosby and First Lady Kim. Beverly treasured her special friends/family, her close and special friend of seventy-five years, Mrs. Pat Pickett, Michelle Henderson, Willie Johnson, Yvonne Goree, D. Sighn, Faye Jett, Sheila McFadden, Ronnie Doaks, Mrs. Zelma Harris, Lynn Goodloe, and Richie Rich Bramlett.

Beverly Jean Chappell-Pree, age 80, of Monroe, answered the call of her Heavenly Father to come home on Tuesday; February 14, 2023.  Beverly joined in Heaven her beloved husband: Melvin Pree; parents: William and Olivia Chappell; two brothers: Todd O’Neil and William Gregory Chappell; nephew: Edward Darin Chappell; and a step-son: Mel Dickerson.

To cherish her memory, she leaves three children: Rosalind (Clifford) Boswell, Robert Reed, and Rodney Reed; one stepdaughter: Cammie Pace; three grandchildren: Cedric Boswell, Chandler Reed Moore, and Niveah Reed; two great grandchildren: Bobby Stocco and Aubrey Boswell; and three sisters: Gwendolyn Chappell, Alice Jan Chappell, and Debra (Carl) Chappell-McIntosh; an Aunt Lucy Lang Chappell of Chicago; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins including : Kathy Chappell and Camille Johnson both of Chicago, Illinois.

Friends may gather on Tuesday; February 21, 2023, from 11:00am until 1:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway, Monroe, Michigan 48161 (734) 241-7070.  A Homegoing Celebration for Beverly will begin at 1:00pm also at Merkle’s followed by a procession to Woodland Cemetery in Monroe for burial.

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