Beverly Rose Smith

Beverly Rose Smith (73) passed away on May 16, 2026, in Des Moines, Iowa. Visitation will be held at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home & Crematory (8201 Hickman Road, Urbandale) on Friday May 22, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be held at Glendale Cemetery (4909 University Ave, Des Moines, IA)

Beverly Rose Smith, a sister, an aunt, and friend to all who were privileged to know her, passed away on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Iowa Methodist Hospital after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was accepted into the Lord’s hands during a calm and quiet moment as her friend sang, “Jesus, There’s Just Something About That Name” to her. She came in with a note or two and calmly slipped into the arms of her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Beverly Rose Smith was born in St. Croix, Virgin Islands, to Earl and Rose (Nelson) Chesterfield on November 12, 1952. She was the baby sister to four siblings. At a young age, Beverly moved to Orrville, Ohio, and was raised by Don and Pauline Petersen. After a short stay in Orrville, she lived her childhood years in Ames, Iowa. Then she moved on to Des Moines where she resided until her passing.

Beverly taught first grade in the Des Moines schools, mainly Brubaker and McKee Elementaries, for many years. She loved her job and the children she taught. She also loved getting up early in the morning to go to flea markets, and breakfast with friends. She loved doing arts and crafts and volunteering at church. Beverly often mentioned her horse she had as a child and the joy that came from riding the horse. She thoroughly enjoyed those times. Beverly was such a loving and kind person and was loved by all who knew her.

Beverly was preceded in death by her father, Earl Chesterfield, and her mother, Rose (Nelson) Chesterfield; her adoptive parents, Don and Pauline Petersen, and a very special aunt, Arlene Ziegler.

The surviving family here to cherish her memory are sisters Doreen Chesterfield, of the Virgin Islands, Gladys (the late Hazell) Davis of Orrville, Ohio, Benicia (Charles) of North Carolina, and brother Earl, Jr. (Evelyn) of New York. She also leaves behind a special niece, Shawnta Williams of Akron, Ohio, lifelong friend, Mary Halsey, and a close friend, Toy Waterman, and MANY nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of teacher friends and Commerce Community Church friends.

Beverly was an Elder and a minister at her church. She served at the pulpit in ministry each Sunday morning, opening the service with great love and humor. She served the church sanctuary with loving care, keeping it fresh and beautiful. Beverly prepared lunch each Thursday, the heavy workday for the church. She was loving and kind while being a “welcoming greeter.” Beverly gave attention to the children and was a constant friend to all who worshiped at the church. And she also served Commerce Community with great joy by being on the worship team every Sunday. Beverly was greatly cherished and will be greatly missed by all of Commerce Community Church family.

Memorial gifts will be given to New Dawning Orphanage in Mexico, of which she donated regularly.