Mildred McClendon Beverly, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and faithful servant of God and community, peacefully entered eternal rest on February 11, 2026, in Birmingham, Alabama, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on March 3, 1942, in Birmingham to the late Glenn and Carla McClendon.

Mildred was the beloved wife of Willis P. Beverly, Jr., the love of her life and devoted partner for more than 56 years. Their marriage was a beautiful testament to faith, commitment, and enduring love. Together they built a home filled with warmth, laughter, and unwavering devotion. Though he preceded her in death, the legacy of their remarkable love story lives on through their family.

Her life was rooted in faith from an early age. Raised at Hopewell AME Church, she later joined Westminster Presbyterian Church after her marriage to Willis. There, she sang in the choir and served faithfully in many capacities, especially in preparation for Communion and the Sacraments, showing deep reverence for the Lord's Table. She also served on the Stewardship Committee and the Christian Growth and Nurture Committee, quietly strengthening the church's ministry. Mildred truly embodied a gentle spirit and a heart for service.
She attended Kingston Elementary, Thomas Middle School, and graduated from Ullman High School, where she was a majorette. She later attended Miles College and was honored as a Kappa Sweetheart and runner-up for Miss Miles College, reflecting her grace and vibrant personality.

Mildred worked as a forklift driver at Saia Warehouse and later served for many years as a clerk with the Birmingham School System at Banks Middle School (now Ossie Ware Mitchell Middle School) and Avondale Elementary School. She was known as dependable, kind, and diligent.
She found joy in simple pleasures proudly declaring "War Eagle," enjoying In the Heat of the Night, Blue Bloods, and Family Feud, and expressing love through her cooking. Her potato salad, chicken salad, dressing, and banana pudding were family favorites.

Though quiet in nature, Mildred's life radiated strength, grace, and steadfast devotion to her family and faith. She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted son, Gregory (Kecia); grandchildren, Tevin (Jameelah), Jordan, Keon, Ever, Khristion, and Kemiya; great-grandchildren, Nassir, Tinsley, Kylo, Aries, Kaisley, and Jade; siblings, Shirley (Harrison) Dixon, Cora Underwood, Richard (Marrietta) McClendon, and Susan (Terrance) Searcy; nephews, Mario McClendon and Cedric Underwood; nieces, Angelica and Olympia Searcy;  her sister-like cousin, Mirrinett (Charles) Huffman; devoted cousins, LaVerne McDaniels, Paulette Givans, Harry W. (Terri) Long, Nicole King, and Hartford K. (Lisa) Long;  and a host of other beloved relatives and friends.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.   II Timothy 4:7