Beverly Thorp

Beverly June Thorp (Peek) moved on to her next adventure on August 23, 2025, in Roswell, NM. She was born on March 23, 1939, in Big Spring, Texas to James D. Peek (Known as JD) and Bonnie Ruth Peek (Shortes).

Beverly graduated from Artesia High School in 1957. She was a proud “Bulldog” and stayed loyal to her team throughout her life. She was raised in Loco Hills, NM. She met the man she would marry on one of the long bus rides to Artesia for school each day. These two grew up together, fell in love in their teens and married out of high school. Their bond and love as childhood sweethearts never waivered for 68 years. She was a very proud Choctaw Tribal Member. Beverly was a direct descent and often participated in private ceremonies helping with cooking fry bread and childcare. She had a great appreciation for the sacred experiences, tranquility and peace she found with the special connections she had to her background heritage customs and beliefs. These were directly handed down to not only her daughters, but friends participating as well playing Tribal Healing music in her room on a frequent basis.

Beverly’s greatest joy in life was spending time with her family. She was deeply devoted to her daughters Jamie and Bonnabeth. Nothing thrilled her more than a spontaneous family gathering. She was an active participant in her daughter’s lives from childhood to adulthood. She spent many hours supporting them in everything from 4-H, piano lessons, tap dance classes, painting classes, square dancing, barrel racing to flower arranging. Her support was relentless. She was protective of Jamie and Bonnabeth and nicknamed herself “Horton” because she refused to leave the nest. She was a good listener, understanding, yet strong and stern. She welcomed any conversation with warmth and compassion. Every moment with her was magical. She was just a mom; she was Jamie and Bonnabeth’s Best Friend.

Her vivid imagination along with bubbly personality allowed her to extend her creativity and visions through painting. Beverly was a skillful Artist. Painting gave her much pleasure and brought color to the world. She was actually quite good. The intricate details of the paintings were not only beautiful but were also a wonderful representation of the warmth and comfort she gave to everyone in her life. Art was a reflection of her vibrant colorful personality.

Her deep connection to nature led to her love and passion for roses. She found her greatest peace and tranquility among her rose garden. Every year she entered one exquisite rose at the fair and was very proud of her collection of blue ribbons. Her love and devotion spent on her roses was a true colorful testament to her patient and nurturing spirit.

Her favorite sport was football. Nothing thrilled her more than a good football game. She was known for her good-natured competitive spirit and always delighted the room with her infectious laugh, her sparkling blue eyes, and warm friendly smile.

Beverly believed in community and was actively involved in several organizations including NM Cattle Growers Association, Altrusa, Cowbells, Garden Club, Red Hats, and 4-H. She truly enjoyed volunteering for yearly events in Carrizozo, Capitan, and Ruidoso. Her favorite was Fort Stanton where she giggled with delight while ringing the church bells.

Beverly was preceded in death by her father JD Peek and mother Bonnie Ruth Peek (Shortes); her husband Richard “Bill” Thorp; and daughter Jamie Dee Norman (Thorp).

Beverly is survived by her daughter, Bonnabeth Thorp of Roswell, NM and her grandchild Ashley Michelle Norman.

Although Beverly was an only child, she was surrounded by cherished, treasured cousins who also survive her, Sovella (Peek) Tankersley and husband Lynn of Texas, and Jimmy Peek of Colorado.

Beverly spent many summers with her cousins, most especially Sovella, and which they shared an unbreakable bond. Beverly will be missed by us all.