Beverly Ann Elizabeth Briggs was born on May 7th, 1946 in New York, NY to Albert and Edna (Henry) Briggs. She was the first grandchild for her doting and devoted grandparents, Albert and Lois Marie (Gilbert) Briggs. For the majority of her childhood Beverly lived in the tight enclave of the Briggs and Gilbert clan as the families all lived on the same three block stretch of St. Nicholas Avenue for nearly 20 years. Beverly was an only child until April 1963 when her sister Lois arrived; and despite a wee bit of an age difference, no two siblings could be closer. In May 1984, Beverly became a loving sister-in-law to Peter, and in March 1987, she joyfully and very seriously took on the role of being the “world’s best aunt” to Lauren.

Beverly was an exemplary student and graduated from Saint Aloysius Grammar School and Cathedral High School, and earned a Bachelor of the Arts from City College in June 1969. After college, Beverly became an Assistant Merchandise Buyer for Blumstein’s department store. In 1971, Beverly joined the Internal Revenue Service as a Revenue Officer recruit. Initially, she only planned to stay a year or two, thinking that it would be a good job until she decided her ultimate career path; however, to Beverly’s surprise, the IRS actually afforded her an opportunity to exercise her natural talents in leadership, analysis, and management. During her 30 year career, Beverly flourished and held key roles as an EEO Analyst, Regional Manager, Collections Manager, and Acting Branch Chief. Recognizing her own success and wishing others to have an opportunity for advancement, Beverly became a member of AIM (Association for the Improvement of Minorities) where she could further mentor and counsel within the IRS and would later serve as a regional Vice President. After her retirement in 2001, Beverly frequently consulted for the IRS and traveled around the country instructing new Revenue Officers.

Given her strong sense of community, it was only natural that Beverly gravitated towards Riverside Church. It was here where Beverly found spiritual comfort and another opportunity to give of herself.  Beverly initially started as a volunteer in the New Members Ministry and as a member of The Board of Ushers. Over the years, Beverly served on The Church Council, the Stewardship Committee, the New Members Planning Committee, The Business and Professional Women’s Club, and was Chair of the Nominating Committee. Beverly was a proud member of Riverside and was often decked out in her Riverside gear – a baseball cap, polo shirt or jacket along with a slew of ID tags, badges, and keys hanging around her neck, which oftentimes, made her resemble a football coach rather than a church volunteer. 

Although she rarely cooked, Beverly was the perfect hostess and enjoyed giving various themed soirees over the years. Christmas, undoubtedly, was her favorite time of year and she would proclaim on the day after Thanksgiving that “Christmas City” was officially open. While Beverly was a serious technology geek; she was also a lover of the fine arts as she enjoyed ballet, opera, classical music, and classic art. She was a British and American history buff and for a time was a quilting and needlepoint aficionado. She loved old movies, Sherlock Holmes, and reading mystery novels. Beverly had a weakness for fine writing instruments and her idol was Mickey Mouse. 
 

Beverly leaves behind her devoted mother, Edna; loving sister, Lois and brother-in-law, Peter; beloved niece, Lauren; cherished cousins, Diane, Jason, Dana, Ken, Cynthia, Cookie, Nadine, and Mary Rita; a host of close friends, and the community of Riverside Church.