BEVERLY HESSEL

Beverly (Blost) Hessel was born in her family’s farmhouse in Rock Creek, Minnesota, on May 14, 1932. She passed away peacefully at home in Smithsburg, Maryland, on January 21, 2023, at the age of 90. Growing up, education was a strong value for her family and after graduating from Pine City High School at age 16, Beverly enrolled at Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska. While there, she completed her bachelor’s degree in secretarial training with minors in religion, music and education. Over the course of her career, she worked for the Wisconsin Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Andrews University, Grand Ledge Academy, the Lake Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Madison Academy, Loma Linda University, and the Review and Herald Publishing Association. In addition to working as an administrative assistant, Beverly held positions as director of Lifelong Learning (Andrews University) and director of Public Relations (Review and Herald Publishing Association). Beverly married William Hessel in 1954, and they had four children. Family was important to her and spending vacations with relatives became a tradition the whole family enjoyed. Beverly loved music, frequently singing, leading songs and playing the piano for Sabbath services and other special occasions. Beverly’s life goal was to live for God and tell others of His love and she was most recently a member of the Willow Brook Seventh-day Adventist Church. Her kindness, generosity and cheerful spirit positively impacted many people throughout her life, and she will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Beverly is survived by her sister, Meri Bitzer (Merlin), daughters Diana Fishell (Randy), Holly Hessel-Altman, Heather Hessel (Dennis Farmer), son Theodore Hessel (Donna), six grandchildren (Tyler, Andrew, Annie, Ethan, Teketel, (Sam), and three nephews (Don, Chad, Aaron). The family would like to thank GMG Home Healthcare and Hospice of Washington County for their thoughtful care of Beverly in her last days. A Celebration of Life will be held in Boonsboro, Maryland, at a future date. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Hospice of Washington County at 11370 Caring Pathway Lane, Hagerstown, MD 21742.

Arrangements were made by J.L. Davis Funeral Home, and online condolences can be offered at www.jldavisfh.com.