“But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.” ~Psalm 59:16

I will sing of your strength…
Beverly Joan Shuler (Calhoun) was the epitome of resilience, strength, and tenacity until her last breath. As the youngest and only daughter of Ira Joe Sr. and Minnie Belle Calhoun (Sommerville), she was cherished and well protected by her three big brothers: Ira Joe Calhoun Jr. (Jean), Ernest Calhoun Sr. (Lucille), and William “Bill” Calhoun (Ann). This strength of family translated into all she endeavored to do. A lifelong resident of Akron, she graduated from Garfield High School and the University of Akron. Beverly was a faithful member of Arlington Church of God. She loved her Adult Sunday School Class and Christian Book Club/ Bible Study group. She never met a stranger and was the keeper of the family tree, much like her brother Joey. She recognized the importance of connection and was a stalwart of her family. Fueled by this tenacity, Beverly, whose lifelong dream was to be a social worker, sacrificed this dream for her children and channeled her desire to serve into a 33 ½ year career at the United States Postal Service (USPS). Retiring in 2011, she realized she had much more to contribute and later decided to work part-time at the Akron Public Schools- Resnick Elementary School to impact a new generation, but also for her “Ollie, Costco, Sam’s, and Aldi spending money.”

I will sing of your love…
In 1963, Beverly married Alonzo T. Shuler. Although the couple would later divorce, their marriage produced five amazing children: Dale Shuler, Darrell Shuler Sr., Deborah Shuler-Lewis, Darlene Shuler, and Danita Shuler Thornton (Kemahri). Her greatest joy in life was her family, including her grandchildren: Darrell Jr. “Manny”, Micah, Spencer, and Katina, and her great-granddaughter, Milena. She was lovingly referred to as “Bev”, “Aunt Beverly”, “Aunt Bev”, “BBB” -for those who know, and the #1 “Ride or Die” Chick. There was nothing she would not do for them. She was a consummate giver of the “straight, no chaser” truth and would go to the wall to support and protect those she loved. This undying love was her superpower. She rallied in it. She loved baking many delicious treats, but her scrumptious 7-Up Pound Cake was her moniker. For those fortunate to experience it and understand that it was a ministry all its own. Beverly also enjoyed traveling, especially a good road trip that allowed her to find unique items at bargain basement prices. More importantly, a road trip with Beverly allowed for one-on-one time to experience her heart. Her heart was not encapsulated in empty words, because Beverly was love in action. She believed in developing and, more importantly, working on the plan. This was evident in her own life experiences. Beverly could also often be found sitting on the porch laughing and people-watching with her crew, Ms. Magnolia McCall and Ms. Peggy Daniels, or riding around Akron and shopping with her cousin, Mrs. Vivian Hill. Beverly, like her brother Bill, never passed up on a new and exciting gadget; although, she never quite used or understood all its features.

You are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble…
Beverly’s ultimate strength was anchored in her love for the Lord. This was evident in her daily ritual of reading her favorite scriptures: Psalm 51: 10 and Psalm 121:1-8. She would be quick to acknowledge that she knew personally about the gift of God’s protection. It served as the guidepost for her life. It is there she rests her legacy of faith and love. As God was her fortress, she mirrored this same strength through and to her children. She protected them until the very end. She has now been reunited with her parents and brothers as the newest member of the heavenly host. The impact of her life encapsulated by strength, resilience, and love will resonate with those who mourn her loss for generations to come.