Beverly Jo Walling

Beverly Jo Walling quietly departed this world on September 5th at her home. She was surrounded by her loving son, Ryan Wesley and devoted sister, Barbra Walling Brown along with her favorite comforts of music and treasured pets. She was baptized and attended Metropolitan Avenue United Methodist Church. As a child growing up, her family enjoyed travel and to Beverly’s delight as an avid swimmer, Lake Quivira. Beverly was accomplished early in her teenaged years. She was an adept student, voted class officer, selected cheerleader, music and vocally gifted with a following of friends too numerous to count. Her outside activities included Job’s Daughters where she was elected Honor Queen of Bethel 12. This organization has a Masonic relationship and guides young women with character building along with love of country. Along with her parent’s training, Beverly used these values to cultivate a life with many achievements. Always industrious, her work life started in high school at a local clothing store. While working, she continued on to Kansas City Kansas Community College earning an Associates Degree. Beverly’s employment history after college is notable. She began at General American Insurance as an office manager, then regional manager for U.S. Life (attained Fellow of the Life Office Management Association) and Johnson County Parks and Recreation as Benefits Coordinator for the District. However, this is where Beverly’s true gift emerges. She became the Director of Group Sales at Starlight Theater. Combining her son’s entertainment talent with the exposure of Starlight, she used her capability to reach even a higher ambition. Beverly became the Managing Director of Theater League in Kansas City. Within this realm, Beverly made the most of her intellect revitalizing and creating corporate sponsors. The result profited both parties and laid ground work that was emulated and admired. She was active on the national scene through the Broadway League which encompasses the national trade association representing New York theater plus 250 North American Cities (they also present the Tony Awards). Beverly even brought the Broadway League to Kansas City. She had the privilege to speak at their convention in New York City. This invitation to share her knowledge with peers from across the country was an honor within her industry. As an outstanding managing director, she attended the Tony Awards twice and was a guest at several Broadway productions during the annual convention where actual Tony Award voting occurs . Along with success came the responsibility of volunteering. Theatre in the Park was a true passion which she shared with Ryan and her family. Beverly’s ideas can still be seen in the maintenance and on-going landscaping projects at the park. She served as Board member and chaired the Friends Committee for four years. Her fellow volunteers distinguished Beverly with the Friends Appreciation Award for outstanding and dedicated efforts raising funds for the Shawnee Mission Theatre in the Park. They recognized Beverly a second time with the Theatre in the Park Founder’s Award for her major contribution to the theater’s continued excellence. In addition, Beverly served on the Board of the Fox Four Love fund which benefits children in need in the greater Kansas City area. It can not be emphasized enough the love Beverly felt for her son, Ryan. She encouraged and aided his efforts to become an accomplished entertainer in his own right. He returned this love by leaving California to consistently and personally direct her medical care the last few years. Her sister Barbra was an important and constant companion to both. It would be remiss not to mention her pug, Meatball, whom she adored and spoiled every chance possible. It saddens us that she has left her family and friends. She has collected a large and varied group of friends ranging from childhood, adulthood, peers, and professionals. We all take comfort to know Beverly is whole, healthy again and with her parents. A memorial fund for expenses has been established with GoFundMe (www.gofundme.com/beverlyandryan) or through Memorial Fund for Beverly Walling at Industrial State Bank, attention Cathy Pacheco, 3201 Strong, Kansas City, KS 66106.

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Beverly Jo Walling

December 26, 1953 - September 5, 2016