Beverly Jean Brunner Skaggs, 94, of Utica died November 1, 2025, at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital. She was born in Owensboro, KY on April 20, 1931, to the late Lafe and Margaret Brunner.
Jean is preceded in death by her beloved husband, of 61 years, Richard “Friday” Skaggs, who passed away in 2016.
In addition to her parents, she was also preceded by stepfather, Rufus Hemingway, her brother, Jerry Brunner and her sisters, Patty Bozman (George), Martha Pagan (Daniel) and Sue Austin (John).
Jean is survived and will be greatly missed by her children: Susan Skaggs Holt of Berea, KY, Julie A. Skaggs of Atlanta, GA, and son, Richard E. Skaggs, Jr. of Cortez, CO as well as son-in- laws Wendell Holt of Berea and Dan Borden of Montreal. Jean was blessed with five grandchildren: Michael Holt, of Berea, KY, Jennifer Holt Levine (Josh) of Berea, Tyler Holt (Jenn) of San Diego, Kate Borden (Rohan Paul) of San Diego, and Benjamin Borden of Charlotte, and five great grandchildren, Owen Holt, Maddie Holt, Vivienne Levine, Ava Levine and Wyatt Holt.
Jean is also survived by nieces and nephews: Jane Austin Garrison (Jeff), John David Austin (Sue), Laurel Bozman, Deborah Pagan Robinson (Gary), Daniel Pagan, Jr. (Cindy), Jonathan Pagan and multiple grand-nieces and nephews.
In addition to her family, Jean cherished her friends, especially decades long friend Ann Roby, who was like a sister to her. She also was grateful for and loved Paula Ward who was her friend and caretaker in her final years.
Jean graduated from Owensboro High School. She was awarded a bachelor’s degree from Kentucky Wesleyan College where she was Valedictorian of her class, and a Master of Education degree from Western Kentucky University.
Jean taught for 30 years in the Daviess County School System, including at Daviess County Middle School, Utica School, Sutherland School and Burns Middle School where she was devoted to teaching children to more effectively read, allowing them to better succeed academically.
Jean was a faithful member of Zion United Church of Christ (now Unity Church) of Owensboro for more than 55 years where she served in various leadership positions.
Jean’s memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on November 17, 2025, at Zion (Unity) Church, 625 Allen St., Owensboro, KY 42301. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am until time of service and a meal will be served after conclusion of the service.
Contributions in memory of Beverly Jean Skaggs may take the form of donations to the Richard E. Skaggs Scholarship Fund at the Daviess County Federal Credit Union, 1900 Southeastern Parkway, Owensboro, KY. 42303, or the Feed a Friend Community Meal Program at Zion (Unity) Church.
Care entrusted to Cardinal Cremation Society.