Beverly Jean Ames known to some as BJ, Diva, Ms Bev, Mama, Grandma, GG, was the daughter of the late Mason and Kathryn Hanshaw Ames; sister to the late Denise Aleatha Ames, was born September 12,1951 at 514 Jefferson Avenue, Cape Charles, Virginia. She peacefully departed from this earthly life to grace on December 6, 2021.

Beverly received her elementary education from Cape Charles Elementary School and graduated from Northampton County High School, Machipongo, VA in 1969.  She supported and attended many NCHC Alumni Class Reunions.  For one year, Beverly attended Riverside School of Professional Nursing, Newport News, Virginia before venturing to the Baltimore/Washington area in 1970.  She settled in Washington, DC furthering her education at Federal City College (now University of the District of Columbia) and Prince Georges Community College majoring in accounting.

While furthering her education she began her professional working career with the Federal Government.  During Beverly's 50 years as a Federal Government employee, she worked for the Department of Treasury (2 years); Interstate Commerce Commission (1 year); Department of Justice (1975-2021) serving such agencies as the Board of Immigration Appeals, Drug Enforcement Administration, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Prison and U.S. Marshals Service. Ms Ames acquired several accommodations and gained many friends far and near.

In 1971, Beverly gave birth to a beautiful little girl, Schawaria, who during the winter months was raised by her grandparents, Mason and Kathyrn Ames and during the summer months raised by her mom.  Schawaria had the best of two worlds, country and city influences which has made her the woman she is today.

In 1980, she births a son, Dietrich, who was born with sickle cell anemia.  To better care for him, she had to become educated about the disease.  Thanks to Mrs. Lola Y. Williams, the Executive Director in the sickle cell clinic at the National children's Medical Center, Washington, DC, Beverly learned through sweat, tears and prayers how to care, encourage, and protect her son. She became an advocate for sickle cell disease and joined the Sickle Cell Association of the National Capital Area, Inc. (SCANCA, INC) in 1994.  Ms. Ames became the at health fairs educating the community about sickle cell.  Other organization of which she was a member; National Congress of Black Women, Inc. (NCBW, Inc.) Washington, DC; National Active and Retired Federal Employee Association (NARFE) Alexandria, VA; National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Washington, DC and Blacks in Government.

As a relaxing moment and stress reliever, Beverly enjoyed traveling. She visited 32+ states, often more than once, which included Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Virgin Islands; traveling internationally with Champion Services travel, CEO/Owner Bernadette Champion - West Africa; Paris and London; Australia and New Zealand; Dubai; Niagara Falls US and Canada; Punta Jamaica.  Beverly was encouraged by a very good friend (Shirley Carter-deceased) to audition for a fashion icon, Harvey "Star" Washington, 1998.

Since then, she has participated in plus sized runway modeling for fashion designers, clothing stores and boutique owners, churches, class reunions and has been seen on Monique's Fabulous and Thick (F.A.T) show filmed in Baltimore, MD.  She has also appeared as an extra in the movie "Along Came a Spider" starring Morgan Freeman.  Ms. Ames was as also Co-Founder of Glorious Statements (Christian Modeling Plus-sized organization) along with Margaret A. Carter.  She enjoys "eat, drink, and be merry" with family and friends, supporting black business and gospel quartets; antique car shows, motorcycles, etc.

Beverly became a faithful member of the True Deliverance Church of God, Capital Heights, MD under the leadership and pastoral care of Apostle Albert D. Venson and General Overseer Mother Clara Venson; current Pastor Bishop Alvin D. Venson, Sr. and Co-Pastor, Evangelist Agnes R. Venson over 30 years ago.  With joy and commitment, she serviced on the following ministries; The Pastor Aide, Ushers and Trustee Board, Financial Committee, Women's Fellowship. Single's Ministry, and the Women's Choir.  In April 2018, the Greater Works Christian Church, Senior Pastor Rev. Ida Moss has become her house of worship.  At Greater Works, Beverly was an active member of the Praise Team and the Rose Ministry.

Cherishing the life love, memory of Beverly is daughter, Schawaria Bonita Ames Bailey (Prentice); son, Dietrich Ramon Ames; brother, Everett M Ames (Vanessa); 5 grandchildren - Christopher Taylor (Veronica), Amber Davis, Titus Sears, Charlyia Sears, Unique Miller; great grandson - Mason Davis; godson - Kenneth Gayden; 2 nieces - Tywanda Mines, Shanyne Satchell; 3 nephews - Carlos Ames, Daryl Ames (Brittany), Julius Ames (Kiara); 4 great nieces and 3 great nephews; host of beloved family, friends, associates; "bosom buddy", Sylvia Walker and "bud" for 55 years, Harristeen Barnes and "we go way back" friend of 50 years, Lorraine Johnson