Beverly Halliburton

Mrs. Beverly Halliburton, 65, of Bradyville, Tennessee passed away unexpectedly on November 28, 2025. She was born in Jacksonville, Florida on January 13, 1960. She was preceded in death by her parents Raymond Mathis and Emma Murphy Mathis, a sister, Claudia Mathis, and a son, Josh Halliburton.

She is survived by her husband, Russell Halliburton, son, Chris Ford, stepdaughter, Crystal Collene, sister, Debbie Mathis, seven grandchildren and several great grandchildren.

Beverly’s mother was known and recognized as a hard worker. As the saying goes, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. She watched and put into practice the work ethic demonstrated by her mother. Her work ethic could best be described as a worker bee. Steadfastly and selflessly taking care of the needs of the hive.

Another thing she picked up from her mother was a love of sunbathing. Since they lived in Florida it was a regular routine. She had a special blend for her best tan, baby oil and iodine to get that deep bronze tan. Russell moved to Florida to find work in the early 80’s. He and Beverly met through work friends at a party one evening. That fit, tan, blonde young woman caught his eye, and they hit it off. They quickly fell in love and were soon blessed with the news they would be having a baby boy.

After living in Florida for a while Russell became homesick for Tennessee. He convinced Beverly to move. They landed in Rutherford County initially and spent several years in the Kittrell community. Russell started a handyman business and Beverly found work in a variety of places. Over the years she worked at White Stag, Novair, and for the last 16 years at Leviton. Wherever she worked it was sure she could run circles around most of her other coworkers.

In the off hours from working they liked to go watch the drag races in Buffalo Valley, Beech Bend, and Bristol. They would occasionally make a weekend of the races or watch it on tv. Her love of the water hadn’t faded since they moved to Tennessee. They bought a boat and fixed it up. Spending many happy weekends cruising around all the coves on Center Hill Lake. Russell liked to play guitar, and they shared a love for music. Beverly had an eclectic taste in music, everything from Pink Floyd to Prince. She also loved to get a laugh out of her favorite comedy tv shows like, Neighbors, Two and a Half Men, and Last Man Standing. 

Beverly tended to be quiet and soft-spoken. Unless and until you got on her bad side, then she could really go on a tirade. Truthfully though, she was more bark than bite. She just needed to get it off her chest and let you know how she felt. After Russell became disabled, she became the sole breadwinner for the family. She put her nose to the grindstone and kept doing what she did best, working. Also taking on the primary role of cook, she could put together a great southern meal. Some of the family’s favorite things she cooked were country ribs, potato salad, turnip greens, and deviled eggs.

Beverly and Russell would have been celebrating 44 years together on the day she passed. True to her nature she planned to be at work. The Bible says, “come to me all who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.” She has now laid down those burdens and may rest from her labor. The family’s hearts are heavy with her loss, but they can be sure she loved them.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Friday, December 5, 2025, from 3 to 5 pm. Funeral services will follow in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel at 5 pm. Doyle Hayes will officiate. Share condolences and stories at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337. Because every life has a story.