Beverly Hamlin Nelson, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 20, 2025, at the age of 75.
Born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts—her favorite city—Beverly carried a lifelong love for the Red Sox and Patriots. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Jeanne Bates; her cherished husband, Vincent Nelson; and her sister, Katherine Munroe Jones.
Beverly is survived by her devoted daughter, Jennifer Lawson of Yorktown, VA; her loving grandchildren, Jacob Lawson (Jesse) of Newport News and Taylor Lawson (Riley) of Poquoson, VA; her brother, Peter Bates (Cheryl) of New Hampshire; and her nephew, Steven Saylor (Lindsey) of Yorktown, VA. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews who will miss her dearly.
A dedicated public servant, Beverly worked for the City of Newport News for 28 years as secretary to the magistrate. Following her retirement, she pursued a second career driven by her passion for serving others, joining Meals on Wheels, where she remained employed at the time of her passing. Her commitment to helping those in need was a defining part of her life and legacy.
Above all, Beverly was a devoted mother and grandmother whose love and warmth touched everyone she met. Her legacy of kindness, service, and family devotion will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Beverly’s honor to the American Heart Association, a cause close to her heart.
