She was born on January 16, 1930, in Sterling, the daughter of Thomas and Edna (Jackson) Buckingham, and was a 1947 graduate of Sterling High School. She married John Lester on September 5, 1948, in Sterling. He died August 13, 1991. Beverly began her working career as a bookkeeper at the former H.W. Wiles Dodge/Plymouth Agency. After her children began school, she worked at the former Colonial Acres Nursing Homes in Sterling and Rock Falls. Later, Beverly worked for 18 years as a bookkeeper at Lawrence Brothers Hardware in Sterling before retiring in 1990. She was a member of the 1st United Methodist Church in Sterling and the United Methodist Women’s group, where she had served as past treasurer. She liked to camp, tend to her backyard flowers, and cook. Beverly enjoyed collecting porcelain dolls.
Survivors include her daughter, Linda S. Wilburn, and son, Dean W. (Ann) Lester, both of Sterling; her sister Shirley M. (Roy) Sharp Jr of Sterling; eight grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, her sons: James and Steven, and daughter-in-law Becky Lester; and sister, Betty Spinka.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 9:30 – 11 AM at the McDonald Funeral Home, 505 1st Avenue in Sterling. The funeral will follow at 11 AM with the Reverend Brad Wilson officiating. Burial will conclude at Oak Knoll Memorial Park.
