Services
Obituary
Guest Book
Beverly Helen (Dull) Whitcomb died in her home on November 17 after living with cancer for just over a year. She led a life marked by generosity, kindness, and creativity, and she was fully active until her last month.
Born on May 15, 1931, in Pampa, Texas, Beverly was the second of two children born to George and Helen Dull of Trinidad, Colorado. After living in many places throughout the West, her family eventually settled in La Mesa. At Grossmont High School, she was her class salutatorian and was active in many organizations, serving in such capacities as class vice president and as a cheer and song leader at athletic events.
Beverly graduated with honors from San Diego State College in three years, majoring in education. She married Ken Whitcomb, her high school sweetheart, and together they moved to his Air Force posts in several states and later to Riverside so he could attend dental school. In 1966 they returned to La Mesa, where she lived for the rest of her life. They had four children, Laurie, Steve, Kym, and Jennifer. The family enjoyed camping trips and boating on Lake Powell.
Always dedicated to her children and to the children of the community, Beverly was a kindergarten teacher, a scout leader, and a literacy specialist. For more than 20 years, she was a stalwart PTA member at Lemon Avenue Elementary School, La Mesa Junior High School, and Helix High School, where she spent untold hours organizing carnivals, supervising budgets, and coordinating graduation events. For four decades she fostered the religious growth of the children at St. Luke's Lutheran Church, where she was a vacation bible school director and Sunday school teacher. She was particularly gifted with arts and crafts, constantly inventing new projects that illuminated books and bible stories for the countless children whose lives she touched.
Beverly was blessed with a large family that was near to her in spirit and in geography: all of her children and grandchildren live in California, mostly in San Diego County. She delighted in taking her grandchildren on trips and attending their sporting events, recitals, and plays. She spent her later years knitting, gardening, cultivating her lifelong interest in Southwestern American Indian culture, and caring for her relatives, both young and old. Beverly is survived by her three daughters, by her eleven grandchildren, who knew her as "Wawee," and by her brother, George.
There will be a viewing from 2 to 4 p.m. on November 24 at The Little Lodge at Glen Abbey, 3838 Bonita Road, Bonita. A service celebrating Beverly's life will be held at 2 p.m. on December 23 at St. Luke's Lutheran Church, 5150 Wilson Street, La Mesa. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Luke's or to City of Hope National Medical Center.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
November 28, 2013
Dear Whitcomb Family,
My prayers and thoughts are with you. Beverly warmly touched so many of us in this area. You have a wonderful family and I hold you in highest regards. God Bless all of you.
Bill Ashman
Grossmont High School
November 26, 2013
Kris (Beach) Hanna
Her home was so warm and inviting. I loved going there with Kym after school (Kindergarten or 1st Grade?). Bev would make us some awesome grilled-cheese sandwiches. Also, I remember the detail of Kym's 5th (?) birthday party. Everything was so beautiful and fun. Her home was an exciting, wonderful place to be. After reading her obituary, I realize there was so much more about her that I didn't even know. What a fascinating woman!
November 25, 2013
Bev was an amazing person. I volunteered with her at Lemon Avenue Elementary School. She opened her home to us to do projects there. Wonderful person Bev was. Saddened to hear she is gone. Judy Beach
November 24, 2013
Mark and Tiffany Thibault
What a wonderful woman who always had a smile. Her faith and kindness shown bright through her life. We will miss her.
November 24, 2013
I am so saddened to hear of your mother's passing. I had the pleasure and honor of working with Bev in PTA and enjoyed watching our children and later our grandchildren play various sports. She was a lovely, intelligent and warm lady who loved and was proud of her family. My sincere condolences.
Ricci McBurney, La Mesa
November 23, 2013
Debby Parks
Dear Laurie, Kym, Jenny, Jo and the rest of the family,
Our hearts, love and prayers go out to all of you with loss of our beloved Bev. She truly was one of the kindest, most loving, intelligent and generous ladies that I have ever been so blessed to know. She always made our family feel that we were part of your family. She influenced and guided me by observing her great faith in the Lord. I will always love and miss her.
Sincerely,
Debby Parks
November 22, 2013
Laura,
Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Chris and Jan
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more