Beverly Ann Wilkins van Aller

Beverly Ann Wilkins van Aller, age 77, a native of Trussville, AL and a resident of Hattiesburg, MS passed away on Tuesday, January 26, 2016 in Hattiesburg.
She was preceded in death by her father, Arledge Verdell Wilkins, Sr.; her mother, Ethel Maupas Wilkins; and her brother, Arledge Verdell (Flash) Wilkins, Jr.
Beverly is survived by her husband of 55 years, Dr. Robert Thomas van Aller; her children, Geoffrey Thomas van Aller of Ocean Springs, MS (Sherry), and Robert Merrick van Aller of Pearlington, MS; her siblings,Sue Ellen Wilkins and Linda Wilkins Simmons; her grandchildren, Courtney Ann van Aller and Katherine Claire Samuelson; her nieces, Caroline Simmons Boulware, Daphne, AL (husband Derek) and Susan Lynn Simmons, Atlanta, GA; and her nephew, Steve Doss.
Beverly earned a Master's Degree in Textiles and Clothing from the University of Alabama and a Doctorate in Adult Education from the University of South Mississippi.
Beverly was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and reared in Trussville, Alabama. After graduating from Hewitt Trussville High School, she attended the University of Alabama where she was a member of Delta Gamma Sorority, and best of all met and married her husband Bob.
Beverly was an extremely talented individual. She excelled in everything she attempted: designing, sewing, tailoring, knitting, painting, water color and pastel, and cooking. She especially enjoyed sailing with her family on the Mississippi Sound and Gulf of Mexico. She was always ready for anything. She felt her finest achievement was rearing her two fine, handsome and talented sons, Geoffrey and Merrick and loving her husband for 58 years.
She had a very special place in her heart for her two only grandchildren, granddaughters Courtney and Katherine. Beverly will be missed by all who knew her.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 30, 2016 at RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport with a visitation for family and friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in Floral Hills Memorial Gardens.
An online obituary may be viewed and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com.