Carolyn Geraldine Beverly's Obituary
Carolyn Geraldine Beverly, 84, a resident of Cleveland, passed away Thursday, February 19, 2026 at the family residence. Carolyn was born in Knoxville, Tennessee and lived in Auburndale FL over 60 yrs, before recently relocating to Cleveland TN. She was the daughter of the late Minnie Johnson McKinley and Albert M. McKinley. She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Troy Beverly and her siblings, Hazel Brewer, Mable Varner, Mildred Terry, Helen O'Dell, Thelma Gilbert and Paul McKinley.
She is survived by her son Kevin (Denise) Beverly, daughter Melissa (Wayne) Skinner and her grandchildren Pastor Caleb (Kenna) Skinner, Britany Beverly Thomas, and Jourdan Beverly (Chase) Newberry, along with her great grandchildren, Troy Skinner, Paisley Skinner, Colton Newberry, and J.R Newberry in addition to several nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.
Mrs. Beverly was a was a beloved kindergarten teacher for over 25 years and taught multiple generations of children in Lakeland, Florida.
It seemed wherever she went someone would always come up to her and say, “Hey Mrs. Beverly, remember me?” and she always did. She truly loved and cared about each student. Her students felt that love and sense of caring as you can see from one of the many former students’ letters to the family below.
"There are many ways to measure a teacher — degrees, salaries, accolades, outcomes. But I believe the true measure of an educator is whether their influence endures long after the classroom is empty. By that measure, her legacy is immeasurable. She has armed generations of children with something far more valuable than academics alone — she gave us roots. She gave us truth. She gave us a sense of being seen, and the sword and shield of God to take on the world with. Please know that her life’s work lives on in countless adults like myself who still carry her lessons, her kindness, and her faith forward into our own homes, workplaces, and communities.
I am deeply grateful for her life, her witness, and the way she shaped mine." Mrs. Beverly had a visitation ministry. She made it a point to go and visit the residents of the nursing homes where she made a huge difference in their lives. She loved to sew, she loved music and singing and she was a huge fan of the Gaither's. Mrs. Beverly was a member of the Haven Church of God in Winter Haven, Florida.
The Celebration of Life Service will be conducted on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 11:00 A. M. at the Together Church, 6725 Socrum Loop Road, Lakeland, Florida 33809 with Pastor Caleb Skinner, Pastor Ron Moates, and Pastor Justin Stewart officiating. Interment will follow in the Oak Hill Burial Park in Lakeland. The family will receive friends from 9:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. Saturday before the service at the Together Church in Lakeland. The Gentry-Morrison Southside Funeral Home in Lakeland, Florida is in charge of local arragnements.
What’s your fondest memory of Carolyn?
What’s a lesson you learned from Carolyn?
Share a story where Carolyn's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Carolyn you’ll never forget.
How did Carolyn make you smile?
