In Memory of Beverly Barton Beaver

The members of Heart of Dixie RWA are devastated at the loss of one of our founding members and a much-loved mentor to so many of our writers. Beverly Barton was a dynamic Southern lady with a big heart and kind spirit who touched every life she came in contact with. Her contributions to romance writing, our chapter, and the writing lives of our members are undeniable. “I still can’t quite believe that Beverly Barton is no longer with us. It doesn’t feel real. Or right,” said Kimberly Lang, HOD President.

At our meeting in April, Beverly shared the coffee-table book Alabama Home Sweet Home, which featured an article on Beverly, alongside other famous Alabamians who shared her love of the state. She said her husband was impressed because she had a space right next to Bear Bryant, but no one at the meeting was surprised by Beverly’s inclusion. Her writing touched hearts and intrigued minds, and the spark of her personality filled rooms to overflowing.

HOD Maven Linda Howard said of her close friend, “She was such a huge part of our lives and our hearts, and today there is a huge hole in both.” To say she will be missed is an understatement. The presence of her spirit in our lives, much like her writing, will live on forever.