A Tribute to Jerry Beavan
by Jocelyn Beavan, Jerry's Stepdaughter

My Father,

Words cannot begin to express the immense love and bond I had with the greatest man I ever had the pleasure of knowing and privilege of calling, My Father.

When I first thought of what I would say this morning at his Memorial Service, I was frozen. Not because I am novice author (Dad would always be sure to double check all work and make sure it was nothing but the best). But because words really will never fully encapture all that he was, a private teacher, a father, a friend, and most importantly a mentor to me.

I just want him to be proud of me and to honor his name in the upmost righteous way. However, in the end all Dad would want is to know I tried my very best. My father, also a professor, pastor, public speaker—just to name a few of his careers—married my Mom when I was just 7 years of age.

Our small new family grew into a beautiful family unit that I will treasure and miss for the rest of my life. Although my father is now gone, I am happy and take comfort knowing that he is walking alongside God in Heaven and is looking down at our family and watching over us, knowing that we will be ok. “I love you Dad, and I take comfort in finishing my words today with the following verse:

‘Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand' (Isaiah 41:10).”