no biting!

 

Good morning, boys and girls!

Good morning, Mrs McDaniel!

Good morning, girls and boys!

Good morning, Father Tom!

We are here celebrating Beverly, and in those days of my memory a quarter century ago, first kindergarten chapel of the school year was filled with excited 3, 4, & 5 year-old children, sitting together with their class and teachers.

Our ongoing school theme was LOVE GOD, LOVE NEIGHBOR, which Beverly called our “two rules” - - and Beverly started the school year’s first kindergarten chapel service by saying, “We have two rules at our school: who can tell us the first rule?” Tiny hands shot up eagerly and Beverly pointed and called a child by name. 

“DON’T THROW SAND!!”

Beverly affirmed that throwing sand is not allowed, and went on to explain that we are a Christian school, our first rule is LOVE GOD. 

Then, thinking she had set the stage for the next question, she went on, “So, our first rule is LOVE GOD. Who knows what our second rule is?” Again, little hands up and waving, eager to answer. Beverly pointed to a child to answer the question. 

“NO BITING!”

Again, Beverly praised the child for knowing that we do not bite other children, and then went on to clarify that our second rule is actually LOVE NEIGHBOR, and that it’s about kindness, being nice to everyone - - at school, and at home, and everywhere in life.

Beverly McDaniel may have been the kindest person I’ve known. Everyone knew that when a teacher sent a child to Mrs McDaniel’s office for misbehaving, the most memorable thing that happened was not being scolded - - but being hugged and given a piece of candy.

Beverly knew every child’s name, and remembered them thirty years later; and she knew every child’s parents and most of their grandparents. She was a marvel - - 

an exuberant, loving person: Fr Bob Battin introduced us at diocesan convention some forty years ago, soon after she was appointed Head of School. In the years that followed - - as I worked with Beverly when my grandchildren were in the school - - and with Beverly when I worked with Bill Lloyd on the Cove School building - - and serving with Beverly on the school board - - and working with Beverly at the school when I was chaplain and religion teacher - - and working with Beverly on the Holy Nativity School Foundation - - and later, the years with Father Steve here at the Church while Beverly was our director of children’s programs - - working closely with Beverly all those years was a highlight of my life. If you worked with Beverly, or were friends with Beverly, you understand.

Beverly led Holy Nativity Episcopal School to our goal of academic excellence in a Christian environment, a place of LOVE GOD, LOVE NEIGHBOR. God blessed Beverly McDaniel, and God made Beverly a blessing to others. 

Beverly and I disagreed on very few things over the years, but one thing I do remember. At the end of chapel services when we said “Let us bless the Lord,” Beverly wanted the students to respond reverently, quietly, because that’s the Episcopal way. I wanted them to shout it out: THANKS BE TO GOD!

++++++

Beverly is born into eternity, so we commend her to God with the birthday prayer:

Watch over thy child Beverly, O Lord, as she takes her place in thy heavenly kingdom. Bless and guide her wherever she may be. Strengthen her when she stands. Forgive her when she arrives late. And in her heart may thy peace that passes understanding abide throughout eternity. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN

+++++

First of two short homiletic remembrances at our funeral for Beverly McDaniel, Tuesday, 24 March 2026. Holy Nativity Episcopal Church, Panama City, Florida. The Rev Tom Weller.

picture: Beverly McDaniel, Amy Claire Dick May, Tom Weller. undated, sent to me by Amy's dad, Paul Dick