LIVESTREAM LINK Beverley Gumbs-Crawley age 61 of Wheeling. Beloved wife of Michael Crawley for 34 years. Loving mother of Asher (Dylan) Saks-Crawley and Aidra "Haven" (Josh Graff) Crawley. Fond sister of Clifford (Charlene), LeRoy (Beverly), Hillary (Rawle), Hermoine (Melford), Randoline, Leona (Edmond), Mavis (Everton "Percil"), Sonia (Arnold), Merclyn "Dolly", and Yvette. Aunt, cousin and friend of many. Memorial Visitation Friday, January 9th, 2026, 3:00 pm at Kolssak Funeral Home, 189 S. Milwaukee Ave. (2 Blocks South of Dundee Road) Wheeling followed by a Life Celebration Service at 7:00 pm. Inurnment Private. In lieu of flowers donations to one of the following links would be greatly appreciated. 1. https://cash.app/$agilemikecee 2. Zelle - thefloweconomy@gmail.com 3. https://venmo.com/u/TheFutureOfWork Send a condolence, share a story or post a picture at funerals.pro or for further assistance please call 847-537-6600. Remembering Beverley Beverley Gumbs Crawley was a woman of deep faith, fierce love, vibrant culture, and unforgettable joy. Her life was a beautiful blend of devotion to God, dedication to family, passion for justice, and an unmatched gift for hospitality—especially through food. Family Memories & Reflections As a family, movie nights often meant watching Shrek. Beverley loved those movies—sometimes even more than the kids—and laughed freely and loudly every time. She looked forward each year to Willow Creek's International Food Festival. When she was healthy, her Caribbean food stand was legendary—elaborate menus, long lines, and food everyone raved about. Growing up, Asher's birthday parties were famous for one thing above all else: Mom's macaroni and cheese. Friends even requested it for their own parties, and Beverley was always happy to oblige. Beverley loved sending selfies. Whenever she felt beautiful, you could count on receiving a smiling photo—her joy shining through the screen. The day she became a naturalized American citizen was deeply meaningful to her. A proud Kittitian always, she still celebrated that moment with immense pride—often playing and singing "Proud to Be an American" at full volume. Summers were often filled with cousins visiting from the Caribbean. The house was full, lively, and joyful—and Beverley loved every moment of it. Words That Capture Her Spirit "There's so much more to life than work." "I'm toasted. I mean roasted. I mean wasted." (A classic text she sent in 2013 that still makes her children laugh.) What Beverley Loved Serving God through volunteering at Promised Land, Willow Creek's Sunday School Cooking Caribbean meals: curried conch, stewed oxtail, macaroni and cheese, sorrel drink, and elaborate spreads made with love St. Kitts, especially during Carnival—dancing, family, laughter, food, and the beach Her family, including her sisters and relatives across the world Thanksgiving, her favorite holiday—gathering loved ones, cooking abundantly, and sharing gratitude Reading Nora Roberts, loving Shakespeare, and never missing Aidra's performances, from college plays to Shakespeare in the Park Following Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Knowing the latest "tea" and hot gossip—she always knew what was going on Long phone calls with her children, husband, sisters, cousins, and friends Debating politics, something she enjoyed even as a child Wheeling's Rock the Runway summer celebration—music, dancing, and community Though deeply religious, she delighted in unexpected humor—Family Guy, The Good Place, and Eddie Murphy's stand-up specials What She Did Not Love (and made no secret of it) Trying new foods—she was famously picky Being late to anything Her Life Story Beverley Gumbs Crawley was born in May 1964 in the beautiful Twin-Island Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis. She was the second youngest of eleven children—nine girls and two boys—making her the tenth child overall and the eighth daughter of the late Randolph Gumbs and Lucina Manner Gumbs. Beverley was educated in St. Kitts, graduating from Basseterre Senior High School in 1981 after completing Fifth Form, a prerequisite within the British education system. She continued on to Sixth Forms A and B, completing her studies in the summer of 1983 with distinction. Her academic excellence earned her the opportunity to teach for a short period in government schools. Soon thereafter, she began her professional career at Barclays Bank in St. Kitts, where she worked from 1983 until 1986. In August 1986, Beverley matriculated to the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands. A natural leader and passionate advocate, she was actively involved in campus life, serving in International Student Government and as Head of the UVI Yearbook Committee. She led numerous student rallies calling for improvements to campus living conditions, including dormitory and laundry facility revitalization. In her senior year, she also led a powerful and principled Free Nelson Mandela Rally, reflecting her deep commitment to justice and global awareness. It was at UVI that a chance encounter in the cafeteria forever changed her life. A U.S. Navy sailor named Michael Crawley, granted a rare exception to enter the student cafeteria, struck up a conversation with Beverley. That moment marked the beginning of a love story that would span more than 36 years. From that day forward, they remained on one another's "menu" for life. Beverley graduated from UVI in June 1990 with a Bachelor of Arts in English, earning Honors Distinction. Upon her return to St. Kitts, she made history as the first-ever Public Relations Officer for the newly formed Government Social Security Administration of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. Beverley and Michael were married on October 26, 1991, in St. Kitts. Their marriage was blessed with two beautiful children: Asher Jenai Crawley, born 1995, in St. Kitts, West Indies Aidra Avis Janeil Crawley, affectionately known as "Haven," born in 2000 While Michael returned to the United States earlier, Beverley and Asher joined him there in 1996. Beverley continued her professional journey as an Account Manager with Beacons Publishing from 1996 to 1999. She later became an Account Manager and foundational team member of what would become Interactive Health, the world's first employee health screening company. Beverley was immensely proud to become a naturalized citizen of the United States, while always remaining deeply connected to and proud of her Caribbean roots. A truly remarkable woman, Beverley's greatest loves were God, her family, and serving others. She shared her love generously—through faith, hospitality, friendship, and her extraordinary culinary gifts. Her life was a reflection of devotion, service, and grace. Beverley now dwells in the peaceful presence of God, and her loving spirit lives on eternally in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her. Her Legacy Beverley's greatest loves were God, her family, and service to others—often expressed through her incredible cooking, her generosity, and her listening heart. Her faith guided her life, her laughter filled every room, and her love continues to live on in all who knew her. Beverley now dwells in the peaceful presence of God, and her loving spirit lives on—forever cherished, forever remembered.