DICKERSON, Beverly (1933-2018)

DICKERSON

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 1/29/2019 at 11:06:34

Beverly Ann Dickerson
(March 29, 1933 - April 13, 2018)

Beverly Ann Higbee Dickerson, 85, a lifelong resident of Warren County, Iowa, passed from this life due to an unexpected illness on Friday, April 13, 2018 at Iowa Methodist Hospital. Bev was surrounded by her loving family and is now living pain free in Heaven with her Lord and Savior. A Celebration Service will be held 10:00 am on Tuesday, April 17, 2018, at Overton Funeral Home, Indianola, Iowa, with burial following in the Indianola I.O.O.F. Cemetery. A visitation will be held Monday, April 16, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm with family present from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.
Beverly Ann was born on March 29, 1933 in rural Warren County, Iowa to Orion and Lagatha (DeHoet) Higbee. She, along with her parents and two sisters, Barbara and Bonnie, lived in 11 houses, attended 9 grade schools (most of them rural schools) throughout her childhood. She graduated in 1950 from Milo High School in a class of thirteen. While attending Milo High School, she met Bill, whom she dated for four years. Bill joined the United States Air Force and was stationed in Biloxi, Mississippi where they were happily-ever-after married on February 8, 1953. They celebrated 65 beautiful years of marriage this year with a renewal of their vows. They shared this moment with their 3 daughters, family, and friends.
Before and upon Bill’s return from service in the United States Air Force, Bev worked at Simpson College and in four different banks.
Bev was elected as Warren County Auditor in 1964, becoming the first woman and first Democrat to be elected to this office. Bev faithfully and honorably held this office for 33 years. She was a Democrat but worked closely with many Republicans. While in office, Bev served as the President of the Iowa State Association of County Auditors for two years.
After retirement, Bev’s passion turned to genealogy and the Warren County Historical Society. She served as President and Treasurer for this Society. Over the years, she was actively involved in such events as Log Cabin Days, Pioneer School Days, and various fundraisers encouraging others to participate in the preservation of Warren County history. Bev was preceded in death by her parents, Orion and Lagatha Higbee.
Left to cherish Bev’s memories is the love of her life and best friend, husband Bill, her favorite daughters Dee Ann (Tim) Lantz, Fairfield, Shelly (Boyd) Wakeman, Indianola, Cristy (Rick) Hamblin, Cedar Rapids, grandchildren Meagen (Dan) Kelly, Matthew (Ann) Miller, Benjamin (Andrea) Robison, Ashley (Nick) Jay, Mason Lantz (Michaela), Elizabeth Wakeman (TJ), Jacob Lantz, and Andrew Hamblin, great-grandchildren Kaden and Addison Kelly, Miles and Samara Miller, Brianna Moore and Sadie Robison, Josie and Hank Jay, Sisters Barbara (Tom) Kern, Bonnie (Bob) Miner, nieces and nephews, cousins and many friends who called Bev their adopted mom, aunt, mentor and confidante.
Her greatest joy was the time spent with her beloved family and friends, especially her husband, daughters and grandchildren. Bev was a loving mother, daughter, grandmother, sister and friend whose memory will be cherished by all who knew and loved her. She will be greatly missed and never be forgotten.
Beverly will be remembered for her freely given smile, her words of wisdom, and how she made you feel that you were the most important person when you came to her for advice.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for memorials to be made to the Warren County Historical Society. This memorial is provided by Overton Funeral Home, 501 West Ashland Ave., Indianola, Iowa, http://www.overtonfuneral.com/