Beverly J. Pritchard, 84: Former Teacher, Den Mother, Sunday School Teacher

Beverly Johnson Pritchard, age 84, of Atlanta, passed away on Monday, Jan. 13 2014 surrounded by her family.

She was a devoted wife, mother, sister, friend, volunteer, teacher, tennis player, and gardner, who spent her life helping others and being a good friend to all she met. She will be remembered particularly for her kindness, along with her ability to make everyone feel welcome in her presence.

Bev grew up in Mayodan, N.C., and was the salutatorian of her high school class. She attended Salem College where she graduated with honors, played basketball and field hockey, served as president of the Athletic Association, was one of five Salem seniors selected for "Who's Who" from over 600 colleges and universities, and was inducted into the Honor Society and Order of the Scorpion.

She taught high school English in Asheboro until she married Bill Pritchard in December 1950, with whom she recently celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary. They moved to Atlanta in 1954 where Bev raised their two children, Holly and Tom, helped Bill build his insurance agency and participated in various school, church, and community volunteer activities. She was a regular attendee, Sunday School teacher, Altar Guild volunteer, and member of the Timothy Class at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church. She also served as den mother for her children's Cub Scout and Brownie troops and as President of the Morris Brandon PTA.

Bev was preceded in death by her parents, Lois and J.C. Johnson of Mayodan, N.C.; her sisters Anne Johnson Whitehurst and Elizabeth Johnson Webster of Bethel and Madison, N.C. respectively; and her brother J. C. Johnson, Jr. of Madison, N.C.

She is survived by her husband William G. Pritchard, Jr.; their children B. Holland "Holly" Pritchard and Thomas A. Pritchard (Elizabeth); their granddaughter Emily Holland Pritchard; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. A celebration of Bev's life was held at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church on Friday, Jan. 17.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Beverly Johnson Pritchard Lecture Fund or the J. Clyde Johnson Scholarship Fund, both at Salem College, c/o The Development Office, 601 South Church Street, Winston-Salem, N.C. 27101, or The Shepherd Center Foundation, 2020 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, GA., 30309.