June 21, 1949 – April 24, 2025

Beverly Farley Choate was born on June 21, 1949, in Beeville, Texas, to Ernest and Margaret Farley. She was raised in Sanderson, Texas, where the wide West Texas skies and close-knit friendships shaped the vibrant, loyal woman she would become. Even as a young girl, Beverly had a knack for turning ordinary moments into something special — sometimes just with a well-timed pun or a clever play on words.

At Sanderson High School, Beverly’s leadership and bright spirit shone through. She served as Class President and graduated Valedictorian of the Class of 1967. She went on to Angelo State University, where she earned her degree in Journalism with a Minor in Secondary Education in 1970. On January 1, 1971, she married her high school sweetheart, Larry M. Choate, in Sanderson. Together, they had two daughters, Beverly “Becca” Eloise and Margaret “Meg” Farley Choate. Her daughters, granddaughter, and everyone who spent time with her learned quickly that “butterfly” was much better as “flutter-by,” and a bouquet of flowers was a “flor-de-lis” — because why not make the world just a little more playful?

Beverly built a long and meaningful career teaching in Terrell County, Sierra Blanca, and Buena Vista Independent School Districts. She retired from Terrel County ISD in 2012, the place where she began. She loved teaching, but even more, she loved her students. Her classroom was a place where hard work and humor lived side-by-side — a lesson could easily end with a clever pun but not a preposition.

A woman of faith, Beverly was a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church of Sanderson.

She was an avid reader with a special interest in Holocaust history, drawn to stories that showed both humanity’s darkest hours and its greatest strength. She believed deeply in the importance of remembering, honoring, and learning from the past as to not repeat it.

Beverly also loved to celebrate. No occasion was too small for flowers. Her collection of holiday decorations was legendary, and the joy she found in each season was contagious, especially when trick-or-treaters came knocking.

One thing that is hard to forget about Beverly was her beautiful, distinctive handwriting. Her cards and letters were keepsakes, often tucked away in drawers or scrapbooks — a personalized piece of art.

Beverly was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Margaret Farley, and Larry Choate.

She is survived by her daughters, Beverly Jarvis and Margaret Choate; her granddaughter, Tyler Jarvis; her sister, Eloise Haynes; her nephews, Temple and Ernest Haynes (or as Beverly might have said, “Temple Toad” and “Erna Perna”).

Beverly’s legacy is one of laughter, love, and loyalty. She showed us that words matter — but so do smiles, celebrations, and a little bit of fun, especially during lessons on the eight parts of speech or through her thoughtful daily journal prompts.

She made the world a brighter, pun-ier, more beautiful place, and she will be missed more than words can say.