Obituary of Beverly Jo Kenney

Beverly Jo Hamrick Kenney, age 87 of Pensacola, Florida, passed away on May 21, 2023. Beverly was born in Valley Head, West Virginia, above the family restaurant on February 12, 1936. Though she thought rural West Virginia majestic and beautiful, winters were harsh and life in a small mountain town was isolating. Soon after graduating from Tygarts Valley High School, she married the tall and handsome Don Kenney in 1956 and became a Navy wife. Along with their two children, Mike and Devon, Beverly put her pioneering mountain spirit to use and supported Don with every military assignment.

 

She was a petite woman, but her steadfastness and stubbornness were anything but small. Beverly was the type of mother who meant what she said and was not shy when sharing her thoughts or opinions. She particularly loved to comment on the job performance of local politicians. Beverly embodied the phrase, “waste not, want not,” and had the Appalachian philosophy that you maximize what you have and repurpose everything.  She was the original recycler. She was an excellent and inventive cook and, thanks to her navy life, learned to prepare delicious meals from other cultures, too.

 

Beverly Kenney showed love through works. As a young woman, she was a Girl Scout troop leader, and she volunteered in the Montclair Elementary PTA, where she met her life-long best friend Beth Moore. Later she became a poll worker for the Escambia County Supervisor of Elections and worked the polls for many years. Year after year, she fed the hummingbirds that migrated to her yard, and also cared for any stray cat that had the good luck to show up on her doorstep.

 

Beverly was preceded in death by her mother, Leora Hamrick Garret, father, Virgil Hamrick, and beloved husband, Donald Kenney. She is survived by her daughter, Devon Kenney and son, Michael (Debbie) Kenney.

 

A private graveside service will be held for family and close friends at Barrancas National Cemetery.

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