Beverly Jean (B.J.) Smith Herrick

Beverly Jean (B.J.) Smith Herrick of New Smyrna Beach, Florida passed away at her home on December 29,2021.

Beverly was born in Ottumwa, IA on June 24th 1946 the oldest of six children born to Walter & Elizabeth (Betty) McGuane. She grew up and attended school in Mt. Pleasant, IA.  In 1963 she married Dean Herrick and together they welcomed Lisa and Scott.  They later divorced. Bev traveled south and always said as soon as her feet hit the tarmac in Florida she knew she was home.  She settled in New Smyrna Beach a block from the ocean.  From her little periwinkle she could hear the waves crash and watch the many space shuttles head for the heavens.

Bev was very active in the Eskie Rescuers United, American Eskimo dog rescue and fostered many dogs and always had one at her feet and by her side, she wore their “white, mystical, magical fibers” as an accessory daily. Bev also ran an exclusive cleaning service where her clients became great friends.  She was lovingly known as B.J. to them.  Unfortunately, after a surgery in 2008 she was forced to retire.  Bev lived life on her own terms.  She was always spotted around town in her big hats & feather purses.  Every call & text ended with “have a dazzling day”.  Always upbeat and positive, she faced her first lung cancer radiation 2019.  She told us it was “a piece of cake”.  She did well until a recent check showed the cancer had returned.  She faced her first treatment with the same attitude. Bev had a couple rough days and passed peacefully in her sleep on December 29th.

Beverly is survived and will be greatly missed by her son and daughter-in-law Scott & Andrea Herrick, New Smyrna Beach.  Three sisters; Becky Morris, Brenda Ebersole, Bonnie Nelson. Two brothers; Ron Smith, Don Smith & friend Mary Christie.  Also to mourn her passing are her grandchildren Ryan, Kaitlin, & Kennedy Herrick. Step-grandchildren Cheyenne (Josh) Riggs & Ryder Proctor and very special family friend Pam Snowden.  Many nieces, nephews, cousins & friends.

Bev was preceded in death by her parents & her daughter, Lisa Blair.  Bevs care has been entrusted to Settle-Wilder Funeral Home in New Smyrna Beach. There will be a private family inurnment at a later date.

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