Graveside Services for Beverlie Patrice Dunlap, Age 69 formerly of West Plains, Missouri will be held on Saturday, August 1st, 2026 in The Howell Valley Cemetery, West Plains, Missouri under the direction of Holden Cremation & Funeral Services, Sparta, Missouri.
Beverlie Patrice Dunlap (Ganley) died on July 3, 2026, holding the hands of her son and granddaughter after a years-long struggle with cancer. Beverlie (originally Beverly, but that’s another story), was born in Woburn, Massachusetts (yankee roots she generally tried to keep hidden) to her “sire” Richard Ganley and beloved mother Margaret Ninon Lynn.
Beverlie and her brothers had a somewhat rocky childhood. She began living and working on her own around the age of 13-14 and would soon be running a restaurant by age 16. Eventually, she met her first husband (James Raymond Beam) at the age of 18 and had two children (Jim and Joseph) to whom she was entirely devoted. Later in life she fell in love with and married Kevin Dunlap, though they shared no children, her memories of their time together were some of her happiest.
For those in the West Plains area, you may remember her as the woman who painted your nails, served you beer at the Northfork Saloon, taught you to paint ceramics, bailed you or your loved ones out of jail (and maybe put them back in jail), or, once she got her degree, you may remember her as your counselor.
Beverlie was an avid storyteller and confidant. Many will simply remember the times at her smoky kitchen table, supplied with endless cups of coffee, good conversation, and solving the whole world’s problems. Her hobbies were too numerous to list – ever in the pursuit of the unique or creative, she was a natural artist. She was also an amazing cook (even though she somehow always managed to burn the first batch of coconut), and she showed her love for people through her cooking. Every year, the number of pies she made for her friends and loved ones kept increasing until everyone was taking home a pie. One skill that showed up throughout her life was almost indefinable – she had an innate ability to shape and influence events to achieve her goals. At her best, she was the problem solver, strategist, and general fixer for her family and friends (a skill she never really learned to monetize, but her son watched, listened, and made a career of).
Beverlie is survived by her son Joseph (Wife Jennifer) Beam, grandchildren Quinton Busbey (wife Jessica Busbey), Patrice Proffitt (Partner Styles), James Beam, and Sebastian Beam. Her great-grandchildren Theo and Leon Proffitt, and Raylee, Bryant, and Nolan Busbey. Siblings, David Hensley, LeAnne Fuller, Julie, and Carol Ganley. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Alvin Hensley, and her son Jim Beam.
