Beverly Ann Mikkelsen

Mikkelsen, Beverly Ann, (Banks), 80, went to be with the Lord, Monday morning,  July 17th 2023, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Born on December 11, 1942, in Asheville, North Carolina, the first born of Robert Crusoe Banks and Maxie Holbert Banks. Beverly is preceded in death by her parents and younger brother Robert C. (Shorty) Banks, Jr. Beverly is survived by her loving husband, Paul R. Mikkelsen; her twins, Michelle Marie (Mikkelsen) Polacek (John J. Polacek) and Michael (Mickey) E. Mikkelsen (Anna Marie Mikkelsen); grandchildren John W. Polacek (Ashley N. Polacek), Alex M. Polacek, Haleigh Marie (Polacek) Findley (Kevin J. Findley), Zane Colton Mikkelsen, Cassidy Rose Polacek (Marcus A. Grissetti), Clay Wyatt Mikkelsen, and Nash Campbell Mikkelsen; great grandchildren  John Pierce, Paytyn, Kaylyn, Laykyn, Parker, Paxton, Blake, Ruby, Piper, Gage, and Blaze; sister, Patsy (Banks) Huggins (C. Thomas Huggins); brother Terry L. Banks (Tammy Banks); brother in law, Robert Bisel; sister in law, Linda Bisel; and many, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and loved ones. Beverly moved with her family from her childhood home in Weaverville, North Carolina to Springfield, Virginia where she graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1961. She began working as a beautician in local beauty shops before marrying the love of her life, Paul, at the age of 20.   

She made motherhood look easy, raising the twins Mickey and Michelle to know their family's legacy of bluegrass and gospel music. She sang in the home and encouraged them to join in. She inspired Mickey to learn the guitar her father played and found so much joy when he and Michelle would sing old favorites together. Beverly was a gracious hostess for hundreds of dinners, visits, parties, and impromptu celebrations. Beverly made everyone in her presence feel special and appreciated with her great empathy and heartfelt compassion. She shared her joy of gardening by starting "Family Thyme Herbs" a small family herb farm, with daughter, Michelle, daughter in law, Anna, and sister in law, Linda. Beverly and Paul decided to move south to coastal North Carolina for warmer weather and sunshine. They settled in Manteo, on the Outer Banks where they participated in church, made lasting friendships and Beverly complimented her life's work by becoming a Master Gardener. In the later years, Beverly and Paul moved to Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Beverly continued to enjoy working in her greenhouse and flower beds, providing a wonderful habitat for birds and small animals.  She and Paul spent many afternoons outside together on the patio admiring nature's gifts; as well as pleasant visits from their children, grands, and great grandchildren. As you can see very few of these words mention Beverly without Paul. They are the image of unconditional love. You will never think of one without the other. Together they are a complete set that brings kindness, support, love, and acceptance to everyone they meet. Please consider a gift of remembrance in her honor to support research in a cure for Alzheimer's and/or Cancer.  We know it would be Beverly's wish to make a difference so that  not a single other person or their loved ones would have to face these dreadful diseases. Friends received from 3-7 pm Wednesday July 19, at Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Richland, where Funeral Service will be held at 11 am Thursday. Stephanie Betsa, Chaplain, officiating. Entombment at Richland Cemetery Mausoleum.