Beverly JoAnn Wood

Beverly JoAnn Wood, 89, formerly of Las Vegas, Nevada, passed away Wednesday, November 6, 2019 at Fair Havens Christian Village in Decatur, IL. Beverly was born January 7, 1930 in Decatur, IL to Roy Francis and Opal Fern (Stuart) Morville. Beverly married James Fredrick Wood from Anna, IL on January 27, 1958 in Las Vegas, NV. Beverly set sail in February 1959 to join Jim in England where he was serving in the United States Air Force. Taking a ship to England was an adventure in itself, taking a shower for the first time was even a bigger adventure! To her passing day, Beverly swore she almost drowned in that shower! Jim and Beverly spent 12 wonderful years together until his untimely death in 1970 at age 34. Beverly attended Stephen Decatur High School through 10th grade eventually gaining employment at Nellis Air Force Base, Las Vegas, NV. She loved working as a cashier and had a great head for numbers. Twenty-three of the 28 years she spent at Nellis Air force Base were in the Accounting & Finance Office, She traveled to various bases in Thailand, China, Turkey and other countries during her employment. In the 1980’s Beverly was presented a certificate making her an Honorary Green Beret and Lifetime Member of 2nd BN 5th Special Forces Group, Airborne 1st Special Forces. She retired in 1990 from Federal Service in civil employment as Deputy Accounting & Finance Officer. Beverly was most proud of the 20+ years as an active member of the Las Vegas Friendship Club, often serving in the capacity of officer. Beverly put on her dancing shoes for these weekly ballroom dances and social gatherings for singles over 30. When music was played Beverly’s feet were tapping even when she could no longer grace the dance floor. Beverly is preceded in death by her parents, husband Jim Wood, sisters: Frances Westerfield and Sandra Wagner, brothers; Roy Morville, Jr., Donald Morville, Warren Morville and her beloved poodle Tammy. She is survived by sister June Turner, brother-in laws: Byron Westerfield and Richard Wagner, sister-in-law Margaret Morville (all of Decatur), several nieces and nephews, including nephew Mark Morville who lived in Las Vegas area for 26 years. Beverly was full of life, ornery, a pistol and a trickster. She loved A & W Root Beer and Life Saver Gummies. Most of all, Beverly LOVED Las Vegas! Over 60 years of residency, Las Vegas would always be her home. 2016 brought Beverly back to Decatur, she lived in Eagle Ridge Assisted Living prior to Fair Havens Christian Village. Private family services were held. Private inurnment will take place at Anna City Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Beverly JoAnn Wood

January 7, 1930 - June 24, 2020