Beverly Kaye Acker

Beverly Kaye Still Acker On June, 2nd, 2025 I took my last breath & danced into the bright light of my Lord at the age of 80.I was born on February 20, 1945 in Chicago, Illinois as the only child of Wilmer E. and Hester Graham Still. My parents brought me to Dalhart, TX when I was six months old. We later moved to Amarillo, TX where I finished grade school and graduated as salutatorian from Tascosa High School in 1963. I attended the University of Texas at Austin where I was a member of Gamma Phi Beta Sorority. I graduated in 1967 with a BA degree in Psychology. It was during this time I was infused with “Orange Blood” and remained a lifelong Texas Longhorn fan. I met & married Leslie Clark Acker while students at UT. We had two wonderful daughters, Lisa & Dawn. We moved to Midland, TX in 1970 & I began a career as a caseworker for Children’s Protective Services of the Texas Department of Families & Children. In 1981 I received a Master of Social Work degree from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, TX. I remained with the agency for over 30 years, retiring in 2000 as a Program Director. Leslie & I parted company after 17 years of marriage but remained friends, being together at family gatherings, especially Thanksgiving. After retirement I became a part-time secretary for St. Mark’s United Methodist Church where I had been a member since 1972, serving in many capacities as a member. In January 2017, I resigned as the church secretary & moved my membership to the First United Methodist Church in Midland. In my spare time, I volunteered as a docent for the Scarborough/Linebery House for 20 years. I also volunteered for the Midland Memorial Hospital Auxiliary for over 20 years, working in the gift shop & arranging flowers for sale. I was awarded a lifetime membership & held various offices, including President. For fun, I was a member of Beta Sigma Phi Social Sorority from 1972-2021, held every office & received all honors in the various chapters. I was also a member of two Red Hat groups, with whom I enjoyed the various outings dressed in purple with my red hat. I participated in water aerobics at the COM Aquatic Center for many years. I enjoyed going to the Summer Sunday Lawn Concerts, especially when the Geezers & the Shades were playing. I really enjoyed dancing, especially to the Golden Oldies of the 1950’s & 1960’s, working jigsaw puzzles and flower arranging. I spent many hours attending Lisa's band concerts & twirling contests as well as Dawn's soccer matches & softball games. In October 2021, my last major goal in life was achieved. I was able to move into an apartment at Longhorn Village Life Care Facility in Austin. I was finally able to say "I dreamed it; I did it!" And life just got better & better with all the new friends I made & all the wonderful activities to do. If the bus or van was leaving, I was usually on it. I really liked all the musical entertainment, the Galloping Gourmet eating outings, Pet Day in Memory Care, Sip & Sing nights, bingo, flower arranging, art class, light bridge, & UT tailgate parties, among other things. My loving parents preceded me in death as did my beautiful daughter Dawn Grace Bohot and four Dachshund friends. I am survived by my wonderful, loving daughter, Lisa Kaye Keenan & husband, Richard (Rick) of Thrall, TX; grandson Adam Rex Merrill of Kyle, TX; granddaughter Amy Beth Rhodes & husband Chase & two great grandchildren, Fiona Lynn Rhodes & Billy Eugene Rhodes, all of Niederwald, TX. I am also survived by several cousins & many fantastic friends, including the Midland Thursday Lunch Bunch & the Thursday Ladies' Circle which met for margaritas. All of my friends in Midland & at LHV were there to help when needed. I enjoyed the great company of Zelda, a rescue Yorkie mix, as my last pet. We dog lovers at LHV finally got them to build a Canine Courtyard where our dogs could play. I spent my final years fighting COPD, which finally beat me. But I had a great life, lived to the fullest, with a smile on my face. It was all about having fun. My final thoughts before dancing on up were “Praise the Lord!” and “Hook’em Horns!” A Celebration of Life is being held at her beloved Longhorn Village on Saturday, June 14, at 11:00 - 12:30. 12501 Longhorn Pkwy, Austin, TX. Her family extends sincere gratitude to Halcyon Home Hospice of Austin for their care and kindness. And, to Martha, a CNA at Longhorn Village.. your quiet, diligent vigil will remain forever in our thoughts.

Beverly Kaye Acker

February 20, 1945 - June 2, 2025