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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 05 - Beverly D. Roberts Horton Beverly D. Roberts Horton – A Force for Good It is not surprising that Beverly Dolores Roberts Horton, a dynamic single retired- teacher with a tender heart for dogs, cats and all animals, would bequeath her estate to the Grapevine Animal Shelter. “That is where she adopted her last beautiful tuxedo cat, Romeo,” said Johnnie Braddock. “I think she wanted to leave a legacy,” said John Foust IV. Both of her friends were right. Beverly left a legacy of safety and care for animals who need her help now and in years to come. She also left a legacy of good memories with her friends, and a teacher’s legacy in the lives of her students. Neighbors recall that Beverly was a fun- loving person who liked to dance and have a good time. She was athletic and outgoing and often worked outside wearing her signature bikini. Beverly lived next door to Bob Flanagan for 54 years. “She would call me and say, ‘Flanagan, my cat Romeo is missing. Are you sure you don’t have him at your house?’ Of course, I never had Romeo at my house, but I would go look for him and return him to her. She also loved her dog, Duchess, a Great Dane and fine companion. Beverly was good to all animals and had many pets throughout her life. If an animal came her way that needed a meal ticket, Beverly made sure it was fed,” Flanagan remembers. Beverly grew up in Houston and attended C. H. Milby High School. She was an excellent young artist and in April 1954 received a letter from Lyndon Baines Johnson congratulating her on her work. She graduated in 1955 and was voted “Most Representative Senior Girl.” She was the leading member of the Milby High School Buffalo drill team called the “Coed Cadets,” a name she would bring to Grapevine. Beverly earned a Bachelor of Science degree at Texas Woman’s University and a Master of Education degree at North Texas State University. She married Pierce Horton in May 1959 and moved to Grapevine, his hometown. Beverly became a school teacher, and her good looks set the small-town of 2,800 population all a- buzz. She taught Physical Education, Art and Drill Team. In 1963, she started the “Mustang Coed Cadets.” “I liked Mrs. Horton and always wanted to do exactly what she asked us to do,” says Pam Story McCain, a former Colonel in the Grapevine High School Mustang Coed Cadets. “Mrs. Horton was strong and confident; she carried herself ‘big’ – like someone important. Her standards for our performances were very high, because everything she did she did well,” McCain says. Beverly was tall, with stylish black hair and a commanding presence. She made an impression everywhere she went and particularly on her students. “I remember when she came to my sixth-grade classroom to teach us about drawing and to understand ‘perspective’ and ‘streetscape.’ She made a dot on the chalk board and demonstrated her point. I have never forgotten it,” says Larry Oliver. “When I was in high school, Mrs. Horton had retired from full-time teaching and was back in the classroom as a substitute teacher. I had her for Art. She liked my drawings and encouraged me to work hard as an artist,” says John Foust IV. Beverly and Foust became friends for life. Foust’s love of Cadillac automobiles resonated with Beverly. “She purchased a new 1978 red Cadillac Biarritz, fully loaded and quite a show stopper. Then she asked me to customize it to make it really outstanding, which I did. She loved that car,” Foust says. Foust now owns Beverly’s red Cadillac and is sentimental about it and his dear friend. “What Beverly Horton did for the Grapevine Animal Shelter is so greatly appreciated,” said Kristina Valentine, Animal Services Supervisor. Through her legacy gift she will provide those ”meal tickets” for animals who need her help for years to come. Beverly Horton was a true Grapevine character and a force for good in the community. She passed away on March 6, 2022.