Beverly A. White

Beverly Ann (Oxley) White passed away peacefully Jan. 22, 2026, at her home at Clearview Estates in Mount Ayr. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 13, at the United Methodist Church in Creston, followed by lunch and fellowship in the church basement.

Born in Bedford May 16, 1940, to Roy “Mahlon” and Marie (Henderson) Oxley, Beverly spent her early years in Zion, attending grade school and two years of secondary school before graduating from Macksburg High School in 1958. From a young age, music was a central part of Beverly’s life, inspired and nurtured by her mother Marie. She was active in choir and piano, both at church and in school, and also enjoyed playing basketball and softball, though music remained her true passion.

At age 13, Beverly faced a life-changing challenge—a tumor affected her right eye. After numerous surgeries and cobalt treatments, she lost sight in that eye. In her own words, “God saw fit that the sight of my eye be taken and my eyes were opened more clearly to Jesus Christ.” Her faith deepened through this adversity, and she continued to live for Jesus Christ with unwavering devotion.

After high school, Beverly attended Simpson College, where she met Jerry, the love of her life. They were married Dec. 19, 1959, in Zion. While Jerry completed his seminary studies at Dubuque Theological Seminary, the couple served United Methodist churches in Wisconsin. Upon Jerry’s graduation, they moved to the Minnesota Conference, serving churches across the state for 35 years until their retirement in 1998. Beverly was deeply involved in every church Jerry served, directing choirs, playing piano and organ, teaching Sunday school, leading Bible studies and sharing her love of music through piano lessons for over 30 years.

In 1974, Beverly’s passion for music and faith culminated in the creation of her album, “He’s Led Me All the Way.” This project expressed her personal faith and trust in God, and she continued to share her music through concerts and album sales across the Midwest, performing in churches and small venues and spreading the word of God.

After retirement, Beverly and Jerry returned to their roots and settled in Creston. Beverly remained active in local churches for the next 20 years, playing piano and organ for services, directing choirs, filling in for vacationing pastors and serving as church secretary. She cherished her friendships, enjoyed Bible studies and participated in her beloved “Red Hat Club.” Always busy and on the go, Beverly was dedicated to spreading the gospel and lending a hand to others whenever possible.

Beverly’s love for her family surpassed all else. She and Jerry celebrated 65 years of marriage shortly before his passing last year. She cherished her children and grandchildren, always eager to spend time with them and shower them with love.

She was preceded in death by her husband Jerry; parents, Mahlon and Marie Oxley; her brother Donnis Oxley; two sisters-in-law, Sandra and Kay; her daughter, Teresa Shanks and her nephew, Dale Oxley.

Beverly is survived by her son Todd (Sheila) White; her brother Jerry (Colleen) Oxley; two grandchildren, Olivia White and Marleigh White; nieces and nephews: Wayne (Rachel) Oxley, Sharon (Randy) Beaman, Nancy (Brett) Waddingham, Deborah (Les) Wenger, Donald (Debbie) Oxley, Neal (Janet) Oxley, Randy (Dana) Oxley, Michael (Linda) Oxley and Angie Oxley.

Beverly’s legacy is one of faith, music and service. She touched countless lives through her kindness, her music and her unwavering devotion to her family, friends and community. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.