Beverly Kay (Askew) Fenning

Beverly Kay (Askew) Fenning, aged 82, passed into the loving arms of God on Saturday, March 23, 2024.

Beverly was born in Morgantown, West Virginia, to Joshua Herman Askew and Melba (Menear) (Lewis) Askew on October 10, 1941. Her early education was in rural schools in western Pennsylvania, and her advanced education was at Muskingham University in New Concord, Ohio. Beverly briefly taught elementary school in Lindhurst, Ohio, then married her rolling dancing partner, Robert Fenning, on June 2, 1974. For many years Beverly was a homemaker and gardener, and served in her local church in many capacities, including singing tenor in the church choir.

In Robert’s retirement, Beverly and Robert were very active in Habitat for Humanity, working with local Ohio Habitat partnerships, building much needed affordable homes. Beverly also did much appreciated administrative tasks in the Habitat offices. For many years Beverly and Robert also worked on the Jimmy Carter Habitat for Humanity Annual Blitz Builds, traveling throughout the US. The also traveled from Ohio to help with a build in Orange, MA

Following Robert’s death in 2014, Beverly relocated to Greenfield, to live with her sister, Karin Clough. During this time Beverly became well-loved locally for her sweet smile and willing spirit. As she had for many years before, she began singing in the choir at Second Congregational Church, which brought her happiness each week.

Beverly is survived by her sister Karin, by two nieces, Shauna Lynn of Greenfield, and Jenny Gabrenas and her husband Mark Gabrenas, of Athol, MA, as well as many grand and great-grandnieces and nephews, who live locally and across the US, and beloved second, third, fourth and maybe even fifth cousins, living in VA, NC and beyond.

On Saturday, April 27, the Celebration of Beverly’s life will be held at 2:00 pm, at Second Congregational Church in Greenfield, followed by an informal reception and time for fellowship in the Second Congregational Church Parish Hall.

Burial at West Gill Cemetery will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity, 140 Pine St., Florence, MA 01062 or to Second Congregational Church, 16 Court Square, Greenfield, MA 01301

Many thanks to the gracious staff of Smith-Kelleher Funeral Home, Greenfield, who are assisting the family.

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