Beverly Clyburn Obituary

With profound sadness, we honor the life of Beverly D. Clyburn, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, educator, community leader, and public servant, who peacefully passed away on January 30, 2026, at the age of 81 in Aiken, South Carolina. Beverly LaVerne Dozier was born on August 11, 1944, in Georgetown, South Carolina to the late William and Maggie Dozier. Beverly was the fifth of eight children in a family anchored in faith, learning, and service. From an early age she demonstrated a deep love for education and personal excellence-a commitment that would shape a lifetime of impact. Beverly graduated as salutatorian from Howard High School and went on to attend Allen University, where she earned a degree in chemistry and

mathematics with honors. At Allen she met her lifelong partner, William "Bill" Clyburn, with whom she shared over six decades of marriage, raising three children and exemplifying a family grounded in love, compassion, and community responsibility. Her passion for nurturing young minds led her into a remarkable 42-year career in education, beginning as a chemistry and math teacher at Minnie B. Schofield High School. While teaching math at North Augusta High School and Leavelle McCampbell Middle School, she simultaneously earned her master's degree in education from the University of South Carolina. After leaving the classroom, Beverly served as director of guidance at Midland Valley High School and South Aiken High School, from which she retired in 1999. She was recruited out of retirement to help improve Allendale County Schools when the state intervened due to low performance. Her final position in education was at the Aiken Performing Arts Academy, where she worked as assistant director and guidance counselor. Throughout her career, her counsel gave confidence and direction to countless students navigating life's challenges and opportunities. Active in numerous organizations, Beverly chartered the Aiken Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Incorporated and served as President of the Aiken-Augusta Alumnae Chapter. Additionally, she chartered the Aiken (SC) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated, leading as the Charter President and later returning as President in 2008-2010. Her commitment to children was further evidenced by service as a charter member of the Aiken Chapter of Jack and Jill, Inc., where she served as President. Beverly was passionate about service, giving her skills to many different groups, including the Aiken Visionaries, an organization responsible for the revitalization and naming of Perry Memorial Park. A woman of God, Beverly was a faithful and dedicated member of Cumberland A.M.E. Church, where she created and led "The Children's Moment." Her church recognized and lauded her as a Woman of Distinction. Beverly had a vast knowledge and understanding of the Bible, often quoting Bible verses and singing hymns to her grandchildren, who affectionately call her "MiMa." Beverly also answered the call to public service. In 1988, at the urging of community members, she was elected to represent District 1 on the Aiken City Council, where she served with diligence, insight, and integrity for more than two decades. Known for her thoughtful approach-studying issues closely and seeing projects firsthand-she helped guide transformative efforts including the North Aiken renewal plan, Crosland Park redevelopment, and support for the Center for African American History, Art, and Culture, as well as the Aiken Visitors Center and Train Museum. Beverly's civic leadership also included service as Mayor Pro Tem, at-large member of the NBC-LEO board of directors, and chairing key community boards. She served as chair of the Aiken County Department of Social Services Board overseeing the construction of its new DSS Building. Her stewardship and compassion were recognized formally and warmly throughout her life. The South Carolina General Assembly honored her for her contributions with a resolution, and she was named Woman of the Year by the Greater Aiken Chamber of Commerce. In 2008, Beverly and Bill were honored together for their contributions by being featured in the AT&T SC African American History Calendar. In 2012, she was honored by the White House Communications Agency as "An Exceptional Woman Doing the Extraordinary. " Recognizing her 50 years of service to the community as an educator and servant leader, the Aiken City Council renamed Generations Park the "Beverly D. Clyburn Generations Park." Recognizing her commitment to training future women leaders, the Aiken County Democratic Women's Club established the Beverly Clyburn Scholarship to support young women who embody academic excellence, leadership, and service. Beverly's life was defined not just by titles and accomplishments, but by the warmth of her spirit, her encouragement of others, and her unwavering belief in the power of community. She embraced every role she held-teacher, mentor, public official, civic leader, and friend-with grace and generosity. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, in the places she helped shape, and in the hearts of her family. She was preceded in death by her brother William "Sonny" Dozier, and sisters Anna Dozier, Evelyn Feagen, Jacqueline Dozier, and Sarah Moore. Beverly is survived by her husband of 62 years, William "Bill" Clyburn; their three children, William Jr., (Dionne), Wilson, and Courtney Clyburn Pope (Trey); and a beloved bonus daughter, Carmen Bettis; four cherished grandchildren, Christin A. Clyburn, William Clyburn III, CJ Proctor, Lauren Pope, and George Pope; three sisters, Cynthia, Ethel, and Claude; brother, Isaiah; and many loving nieces, nephews, and extended family members. She also leaves behind a community strengthened by her contributions and inspired by her example. May her memory be a blessing, and her legacy an enduring light for future generations.