Diane Beverly

Susan Diane Beverly, 63, of Partlow passed away Monday, March 20, 2017.

Diane was a lifelong resident of Fredericksburg, who had a lasting impact on her family, her friends, and her community. She loved many things in her life, but she was especially remembered by her loved ones for her remarkable singing voice, dedication to her profession, and her love for horses.

Diane began singing as a child with her grandfather and aunts. Her professional performing career began in 1975, when she took the stage with her first band. Her most memorable collaborations were with the bands Star Play, Silver Wings and Cash and Carry.

As much as Diane loved singing, her professional life was highly varied and she was successful in all her pursuits. She started with the US Postal Service, where she made lifelong friends and became the first female city carrier in Fredericksburg. After finishing her degree at Mary Washington College, she and a friend used their passions for math and people to open Beverly and Bucker Tax and Accounting in 1987. In addition to owning and operating her own business, Diane represented clients as an enrolled agent (EA), was on the Board of Directors for the Virginia Society of Enrolled Agents, was a Fellow at the NTPI, and was a member of the American Academy of Tax Practice. Over the last 30 years she had many clients that she also valued as friends.

From her childhood growing up on a farm with horses to the paddock in the back of her home as an adult, Diane’s love for horses truly galloped alongside her throughout her life. She was riding horses bareback through open fields and competing in horse shows before she entered high school. As an adult, she focused on draft horses and found her passion in raising and competing with Clydesdales. She owned a second business Lock Linter Clydesdales, driving carriages and wagons with her horses.

In all facets of her life singing, accounting, and horsemanship – Diane pursued all her passions alongside, and with the never-ending love of, her family and friends.

Survivors include her husband, James E. Lam, Sr.; children James E. Lam, Jr. (Linda) and Kevin M. Lam; grandchildren Ashley Lam, Megan Lam, Kyle Lam, Dustin Lam, Mikalah Ludwig, McKenzie Lam and Rebecca Lam; great granddaughter Alice Marie Ludwig; sisters Faith Ann Cleaves (Ben), Vicky Carroll (Gary), Debby Beverly (Michael O’Byrne), Karen Beverly, Kathy Beverly and Tona Kehl (Jason); brother Gene Beverly, Jr. (Dana); step-mother Patricia Beverly; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Gene Beverly, Sr., and mother Delores Ashby.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 23, at Covenant Funeral Service, Fredericksburg.

A service will be held 3 p.m. Friday, March 24 at the funeral home. Interment will be private.

Memorials may be made to Fredericksburg SPCA 10819 Courthouse Rd., Fredericksburg, VA 22408 or to the Virginia Draft Horse and Mule Association (VDHMA) 1895 Preston Mill Road, Huddleston, VA24104.