Beverly J. Pickett

Beverly J. Pickett, 88, passed away peacefully on July 13, 2025, at the Hawthorne Inn of Danville. She was born on December 28, 1936, in Danville, Illinois to the late Frank and Opal Styer.

Throughout her career, Beverly worked various jobs, demonstrating versatility and dedication. She was most recently employed as a security guard at the Vermilion Fishing Club, which proved to be a job that she thoroughly enjoyed and was proud to do. Beverly had also been a devoted member of the Grape Creek Baptist Church, a place that always felt like home to her, for many years.

Beverly's love for the outdoors was matched only by her appreciation for life's simpler pleasures. She found joy in camping, although her busy lifestyle allowed her to partake less than she would have liked. She enjoyed a hot cup of coffee as she relished the sights and sounds of nature, often watching the birds fly about and sitting in the sunshine. The days were made even better if she had good company to enjoy it with as her family and friends were an important part of her life. A talented musician, Beverly played the guitar and had a beautiful singing voice. So much so that she played with several different bands over the years. Her enthusiasm extended to her fondness for CB radios, of which she was affectionately known as Penny Candy.

One of her proudest accomplishments was the love shared with her husband, Jim. They were married on June 21, 1952, and had the opportunity to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary, a testament to a life filled with partnership and loyalty, a year before his passing.

In addition to Jim and her parents, Beverly was preceded in death by her sons James Pickett and Randy Pickett, as well as her grandchildren Michael Brumback and Tammi Brumback and her brother Frank Styer.

She is survived by her step mother, Deloris Johnson Styer, and children Starla (Dave McDaniel) Brumback, Frank Pickett, Kenny (Denise) Pickett, Rhonda (Mark) Sollars, and Jay (Tammy) Pickett; her grandchildren Kevin, Sherri, Larry, JD, Joshua, Somer, Frank, Amanda, Chad, Brandi, Neva, Laura, BJ, Josh, Sasha, Mark, Kayla, Jayleen, and Kari; several great-grandchildren, and great-greatgrandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings Cindi Montgerourd and Greg Styer, and her sisters-in-law Lynn Styer and Lori Pickett. 

A funeral service will be held at 12:00 pm on Friday at Grape Creek Baptist Church, located at 13658 Grape Creek Road in Danville, Illinois. Officiating will be Pastor Dave Leary. She will be laid to rest next to Jim in McKendree Cemetery following services. Visitation will be held from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at the church prior to the service that morning. Memorial donations may be made to Grape Creek Baptist Church. Please join Beverly’s family in sharing memories, photos, and videos on her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.