Beverly Ann (Porter) Bugett

Beverly Ann Porter Bugett was born on July 3, 1936, in Amityville, NY to Matthew Lee Porter and Lillian Collins Porter. There were seven children in the family, and Beverly was the youngest girl. Although Amityville was a small town, Beverly grew up surrounded by a very close-knit family that included her grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Neighbors were also treated like family. They would gather at the home of her grandparents on Albany Avenue for holidays, birthdays, and every celebration imaginable. The family shared numerous outings to the beaches and state parks on Long Island. Beverly continued this tradition of hospitality throughout her entire life. She loved to get together with family and friends. No one will forget her annual July 4th birthday parties in her yard. They were really the place to be on the 4th, well into the moonlight hours. 

Beverly began her formal education at age four at Park Avenue Elementary School in Amityville, N.Y. She later attended Amityville High School and took part in many activities including the drill team. She was a majorette and loved to twirl the baton. She had many gifts and talents. Her greatest gift was her beautiful voice. As a young girl she attended Holy Trinity Baptist Church in Amityville, N.Y. Her mother taught her four daughters to harmonize, and they formed The Porter Singers, and sang at local churches. Later, along with her mother as manager, older sister, Connie, as organist, and the Wall sisters, a gospel singing group was formed called, The Wall Singers. They traveled extensively to many churches throughout Long Island, other parts of New York and North and South Carolina for many years. They also sang at the Apollo Theater in Harlem. They won first prize on amateur night! 

Beverly learned from her parents and grandparents to work hard and SAVE for a rainy day. After working as a housekeeper and store clerk, she decided it was time to move forward. She attended Wyandanch College where she received the credentials to be hired by the United States Postal Service. She retired in 1992 after 25 years of service. 

She loved to travel and that, she did! She made traveling a career and became a travel agent, specializing in cruising. She would take at least one. cruise every year. Beverly traveled across the United States, Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean Islands.

Still, her greatest job was that of being a single parent to her two daughters, Virginia (Suzie), who preceded her death, and Mari. With the love and support of her parents, her children grew up having everything they needed. She was given the nickname, Baeba, by her granddaughter, Erica, forty years ago, a name we will miss, dearly.

Beverly moved to Raleigh, North Carolina in August 1996 to be near her daughter, Mari who had moved there the previous year. Soon afterwards, she joined St. Matthew Baptist Church in Raleigh where she became an active member and friend to many. When referring to the young ladies at church she often said, “I have a lot of daughters”.

In her younger years, Beverly found love, which did not last. Yet, God blessed her in her golden years where she was joined in Holy matrimony to Walter Lee Bugett. They made their home in Barnesville, Georgia for several years, until returning to Raleigh where they remained until his death in July 2018.

Beverly loved to give to family, friends, church members, numerous charities, homeless and anyone in need. She always remembered to have a gift for her nieces and nephews. Her home is still filled with Christmas and birthday gifts she planned to give to others. She was a willing ear for many in our family as we dealt with troubles, and would advise, guide and tell you to straighten up, if needed.  

After a tiring battle, Beverly departed this earthly life and is now rejoicing, in the arms of her Savior. She will be greatly missed by her daughter, Mari Barnet (Nick), granddaughter, Erica Brown, grandson, Zachary Campbell, great granddaughter, Arielle Brown, great grandson Avery Campbell, great grandson Joaquin Veras-Brown, sister, Muriel Collins, brothers, Willie Porter and Henry Porter, uncle Lloyd Collins Sr. (Martha), aunt, Mirta Collins, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Funeral Service:  11:00 AM, Tuesday, March 24, 2020 at St. Matthew Baptist Church, 5410 Louisburg Rd., Raleigh, NC.

Visitation:  10:00 AM - 11:00 AM, preceding the funeral service at the church.

Interment:  Pinelawn Memorial Park, 2030 Wellwood Ave., Farmingdale, NY.

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