Friends and relatives of the late Beverly Beidler gathered for a celebration of her life at Everly-Wheatley on Saturday, April 26. The entire congregation sang “Oh Shenandoah,” “We Shall Overcome,” and “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.” Grandchildren Brad and Mariah Simonton spoke, and Mariah read a poem.
Beverly was first asked to run for office while she was sitting under a hair dryer in a beauty salon. She replied, "Well, I'll think about it."
She did decide to run and became a very effective force for good on City Council, supporting the removal of the poll tax, helping the establishment of day care in the city, and supporting the efforts of the one woman who wanted to be a firefighter. Every attempt at progress that was tried was supported by Bev Beidler. Bev Beidler was the first woman graduate of Albright College in Reading, Pa. She was the first woman elected to Alexandria City Council. The spirit of community that she fostered during her life was evident throughout the service.
Lois Kelso Hunt