Friday, March 29, 2024

Remembering Beverly Blake, Senior Advisory Commission Chairwoman

Southlake Senior Advisory Commission Chairwoman Beverly Blake passed away on August 30, 2019; she was 83 years old.

Beverly was married to her husband Milton for nearly 59 years, and they are the proud parents of two children, daughter Robin Cornish and their late son, Milton Blake. They’re also grandparents to five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Beverly Blake at the Frank Cornish IV Park Rededication Ceremony, October 2017.

“Beverly Blake was one of the most honest people I’ve ever met. She spoke truth, but did it in a way that invited people in,” said Mayor Laura Hill.  “Her leadership was invaluable when it came to bringing people to the table to talk and work together towards common goals.  We also saw her warm and tender side with her friends and family; she is a treasure, and Southlake was blessed to have her in our community.”

Mrs. Blake’s passion for service was at the center of her life. An educator for more than 40 years, she was a principal of two schools in the Chicago school system. She was also very involved in her church and recently served as a pastor’s assistant.

Beverly and Milton came to Southlake to be closer to their family including daughter, Robin Cornish, wife to the late Frank Cornish, and the Cornish children Frank V, Blake, Gabrielle, Sydney, and Sarah. Beverly and Milton also have a great-grandchild, Quincy.

A resident of Southlake for nearly 15 years, Beverly was active at the Southlake Senior Center playing weekly bridge, attending the weekly Monday luncheon and participating in the special senior events and dances that took place at Legends Hall. She also served on the Senior Advisory Commission (SAC). She was first appointed to the SAC in 2010, and then was elected chairperson in June of 2016.

“Beverly was a great champion for our Seniors,” said Community Services Director Chris Tribble. “Her can-do attitude and her spirit for life made her so easy to be around and to work alongside. She asked for our best when it came to the City’s senior programming and services. We are grateful that her vibrant vision will live on in the Southlake Senior Community.”

Beverly’s funeral services will take place in at St. James Lutheran Church in Chicago on Saturday, September 7, 2019.

Call for Volunteers – Be a Part of Southlake’s Boards and Commissions

Do you want to be part of the City of Southlake team? The City Council is seeking residents who want to be engaged in their community and help support the City Council in their mission.

On October 16, 2018, the Mayor and City Council will make appointments to the Community Engagement Committee, Community Enhancement and Development Corporation,  Crime Control and Prevention District, Library Board, Senior Advisory Commission, and Arts Council.

Citizens interested in helping their local government in the areas of community engagement and outreach programs, promoting economic development and new business enterprises, safety and security, library planning and programming, senior-related programs, and public art are encouraged to complete an application for a board or commission. Applications may be obtained from the City’s website.

Each appointment is for a term of two years, unless appointed to fulfill an existing vacancy for an unexpired term. It takes a team to run a City, and City Council wants you to be a part of their team. If you have the desire and the commitment to devote to our community, please complete an application and e-mail it to cborges@ci.southlake.tx.us or fax it to (817) 748-8270 in the City Secretary’s Office.

You can also mail or hand-deliver your application to the City Secretary’s Office, 1400 Main Street, Suite 270, Southlake, Texas 76092. Applications must be received no later than September 4.

Senior Advisory Commission Chairman, Dick McCauley Passes at 77

Richard McCauley

Richard McCauley

Dick McCauley, the chair of the Senior Advisory Commission, passed away last week.  A long-time supporter of the City’s volunteer program and the Southlake Senior Community, Mr. McCauley gave countless hours of his time to the City and its programs.  The City is grateful for his service, his passion and his spirit.  He will be missed.  

The following was previously published in the Fort Worth Star Telegram:

Dick McCauley, 77, passed into eternal rest at 1:35 p.m. Thursday, April 17, 2014, at a Grapevine hospital. Service: 1 p.m. Monday at First United Methodist Church of Colleyville. Visitation: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday at First United Methodist Church of Colleyville. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Call A Ride Southlake or Southlake Senior Funding Inc.

Officially, Dick was retired but in reality, he was a tireless volunteer. Dick had once been a heart patient at Baylor Hospital, leading him to serve in the Caring Hearts program where he ministered to over 2,500 heart patients. He served as chairman of Call A Ride Southlake (CARS) and later emeritus. Dick was also chairman of the Senior Advisory Commission to the Southlake City Council. He founded Southlake Senior Funding Inc. serving as chairman for five years. Southlake area seniors had an anchor, advocate and a passionate proponent for improving senior living, including his advocacy for a new senior center.

Survivors: Loving wife of 56 years, Bernice; son, Matt; daughter, Laura McCarter and husband, Greg; son, Scott and wife, Robin; son, Richard Jr. and wife, Roxana; grandchildren, Matthew, Skyler, Cody and Cameron; many nieces and nephews; and a host of family and friends.