Beverley L Pilong

It is with profound love & deep respect that we celebrate the life of Beverley Louise Pilong, fondly known as Bev. Born on January 6, 1949, in the warm heart of Grange Hill,

Westmoreland, Jamaica, Bev was the cherished daughter of Geneive Drummond & Alexander Jarrett.

From an early age, Bev demonstrated an unshakeable sense of responsibility & courage. As the eldest child, she made the selfless decision to pause her education in the 8th grade to care for her younger siblings & support her beloved grandmother, Delsada Mehalia Guthrie. This choice was not one of sacrifice, but one of love, strength, & a deep sense of duty–qualities that would define her journey through life.

Bev began her working life as a youthful entrepreneur,

traveling from Grange Hill to Kingston as a vibrant market trader, sourcing goods to support her family. Her tenacity & business savvy were evident even then, & she carried these traits with her throughout her life.

Her journey took her to Kingston where she worked as a

domestic helper, always giving her best & uplifting those around her with her warmth & laughter. In the 1970’s Bev

embraced an exciting opportunity to work in the Bahamas, where she flourished in the hotel industry. It was there, through a pen pal connection, that she met the love of her life, Joseph Pilong.

In 1980, Bev embarked on a new chapter in Philadelphia,

continuing her work in hospitality with the Embassy Suites. Later, she brought her talents to Orlando, where she continued to brighten lives through her work until her well-earned retirement around 2010.

While Bev was known for her hard work, she was equally known for her style & flair. She loved to shop & dress up, & her jewelry collection was a reflection  of her bold & vibrant personality. Shopping wasn’t just her hobby– it was one of her love languages. She seized every opportunity to take those around her on shopping sprees, ensuring everyone had something special. If you knew Bev, you likely wore something she picked out for you.

Her visits to Jamaica were events of their own. She never arrived empty-handed–in fact, she often traveled with no less than 17

barrels, packed with gifts for her family, godchildren, & friends. No matter how small, Bev believed everyone deserved to receive something.

Bev was a phenomenal cook, & her kitchen was a place of warmth & wonder. Her love for seafood, especially lobster, was unmatched, & she had a special fondness for roast & fried breadfruit. Cooking was more than a skill; it was her way of connecting, & she lovingly passed down her recipes & culinary talents to her grand-nieces.

Though Bev had a sassy, straight-forward personality & never

hesitated to tell you exactly how she felt, it always came from a place of love. She was never one to play the hypocrite–what you saw was what you got–& people respected her for it. Her honesty, wrapped in affection, was  one of her most enduring traits.

Children held a very special place in Bev’s heart.  She had an

unwavering love for them & made it her duty to spoil those who were close to her, Whether it was a biological connection or simply love formed over time, she gave her all–especially to Robert & Mickal Robinson, Dimetrius (Howard), & Junior Henry, & Stacyann Buck, whom she helped raise & pour into with everything she had.

Known for her infectious humor, her love for country music & a soft spot for classic black & white westerns, Bev lived life on her own terms.

Bev was more than a sister, aunt, cousin, or friend–she was a force of love, generosity, & grace. Her presence lit up every room she entered & her absence leaves an indescribable void.

Bev leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love, laughter & unforgettable memories. She is deeply missed by her siblings: Noel, Clifton, Joan, Dimetrius, Marcia, Wayne (Andrew), Karon & Corine, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, & all whose lives she touched.

Though our hearts are heavy, we rejoice in the life she lived–a life of courage, love & unmatched style. She gave of herself completely & left this world having touched countless lives. Beverley was a tower of strength, a beacon of kindness, & a true inspiration.

May her soul rest in eternal peace, embraced by the love she so freely gave.

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