Chesapeake, VA  –  Beverly Jean Chester, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on August 30^th, 2025 at the age of 94.  Beverly, who went by the nickname “Peggy”, was born on July 25^th, 1931, and grew up on a farm as the youngest of a family of five.

Beverly was not happy on the farm and couldn’t wait until she could start a new and exciting life in the big city.  When she graduated from high school, she moved to Cambridge, Massachusetts and worked as a telephone switchboard operator with the Bell Telephone Company.  She met her future husband at Walden’s Pond and he was the love of her life; Hilary Chester, better known as “Lon”.  They stayed together for well over half and century.

Beverly returned to work in the early 1970’s after raising her children.  She dedicated her professional life to office work with the medical records department of the hospital sector where she was known for her diligence and commitment.  Her career was marked by a steadfast dedication to her duties and a quiet strength that inspired those around her.

She retired and the they moved to Florida where she and her husband were both active in the New England Club and the Elks Club.  She played tennis well into her seventies.  When she could no longer play tennis, she took long bike rides and walked miles at a time, well into her eighties.  She always stayed active and took pride in her athleticism.

Beverly was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Chester Kinney, Sr. and Geneva Brackett Kinney, her son, Drew Wayne Chester and her beloved husband, Hilary Leonard Chester.  Beverly is survived by her son, Dolph Jay Chester of South Mills, North Carolina; grandchildren, Denise B. Chester, Michael D. Chester, Aaron W. Chester, and Alexandria G. Chester; as well as great grandchildren, Emma G. Gwaltney and Eliana S. Martin.

A private family memorial service will be held to honor Beverly’s memory.  Inurnment will take place at Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, Suffolk, VA, on Monday, October 6, 2025 at 3:00 p.m., where she and her husband, Hilary Leonard Chester will be placed in the Columbarium.  The Cremation Society of Virginia, Chesapeake Office, is assisting the family during this time.  Friends and family are invited to share their condolences and memories online at www.vacremationsociety.com

Beverly Jean Chester was a friend to everyone she met.  She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, unwavering dedication to her family and the quiet grace with which she lived her life.  She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.