Beverly was my big sister. She was my only sibling. She lost the battle of drug-resistant hypertension.

She taught me to drive slowly in parking lots. She showed me how to tastefully wear make-up. She taught me how to start the engine of her truck with a screwdriver. She showed me how to go to college. I followed her lead.

Beverly gladly initiated taking on the heavy responsibility of caring for our mother, Hilda, after a stroke.

Beverly smiled and even laughed through the most unbearable times, to reduce the stress, grief and pain for others, including me.

“Little sisters should have fun,” she often said.

Her faith in God kept the smile on her face and her peace through the nights.

Beverly was a talented artist. She studied Child Development and Art in college. She was also an excellent cook.

She worked in aerospace and medical billing for years, but she mostly loved working for the Los Angeles Convention Center.

She loved animals. I believe that her life was extended due to her caring for her aging rescue dog, Spotty. She loved Cupcake, our cat, as well as our other cats: Maggie, Little Smalls and Shy, to whom she referred as "the babies."

She paved the way for me. She was a unique individual, extremely smart, misunderstood, witty and self-less. Giving to others in need, made her the happiest.

I miss her; I am grateful for her, and she told me that she is always with me.