Beverly Jean Armstrong Burch

“For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face.
Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:12-13

Beverly Jean Armstrong Burch

Beverly Jean Armstrong Burch, 72, of Orange, Texas, died at her home on December 24, 2021. Beverly was born to Curtis L. Armstrong and Martha Gunstream Armstrong on September 21, 1949. Three years later (almost to the day), Beverly became a big sister and lifelong best friend to her sister, Judy. She and Judy enjoyed a childhood of Barbies and paper dolls, vacations out west, neighborhood block parties, and family reunions. Beverly graduated from West Orange High School in 1968 and attended Lamar University in Beaumont.

In 1970, while working at “Tilly Tech” in Orange, she met the man with whom she would spend the rest of her days. James and Bev were married November 20, 1971, and soon established a home where all who walked through their doors felt loved and welcomed. Beverly’s heart and home were always open to youth who needed a place to land…as well as to the numerous four-legged creatures that showed up at her door.
The importance of faith, family, and service to others was evident throughout her life. She served in the Golden Triangle through numerous capacities, including volunteering in youth ministries at McDonald Memorial in Orange and First Baptist Church in Bridge City, teaching Sunday School classes and supporting missions worldwide through her position as WMU Director. In 1989, their family moved to Grenada, Mississippi, where Bev continued to serve her new community and discovered a passion for teaching English as a second language to adults. Her patience, humor, and compassion in the classroom quickly endeared her to her students, and she cherished the time spent learning about their cultures and customs.

There was truly never a dull moment around Bev. Her creativity and imagination kept her nieces, nephews, and grandchildren entertained, and it was not uncommon to find Bev donning silly outfits, taste-testing imaginative meals, or creating craft projects on a whim if children were around. She also used her creative talents to bring beauty to others, crocheting blankets for babies, arranging flowers for weddings or table décor, and cooking family favorites for holiday celebrations.

While Bev embraced her Mississippi community, her heart longed to return to her roots. After James retired, they returned to Texas and again established a home that welcomed all who walked through their doors. Bev saw and encouraged the potential that others often did not see in themselves. Her genuine joy, profound faith, and unconditional love were shared with all who knew her.

In death, Beverly was reunited with her parents. She is survived by her lifelong love, James R. Burch of Orange, and sons Jimmy and Michael Burch of Texas, as well as 6 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and 1 great, great grandchild.

Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. with funeral services following at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 31, 2021 at McDonald Memorial Baptist Church; 2015 Sims St; Orange, TX. Burial will take place at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Orange. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the McDonald Memorial Baptist Church general fund or the charity of your choice.