CONCORD UNIVERSITY MOURNS THE LOSS OF FORMER FIRST LADY JEAN DRESSLER BEASLEY

ATHENS, W.Va. - Concord University is mourning the loss of former First Lady Jean Dressler Beasley. Mrs. Beasley passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2012. She was the wife of Concord University President Emeritus Jerry L. Beasley.

Mrs. Beasley was a highly respected member of the Concord and Athens communities. She was a devoted participant in activities on campus and in the town of Athens where she made her home since 1985. During Dr. Beasley’s 23-year tenure as President of Concord, Mrs. Beasley’s ongoing involvement in the life of the University touched countless students, faculty and staff. She was known as a good friend and neighbor to her fellow residents in Athens.

“Jean was a dedicated servant of the University,” Concord University President Gregory F. Aloia said. “She served the students, staff and faculty as First Lady for many years. She will be missed by all.”

A native of Hinton, W.Va., she was born on Jan. 17, 1947. Mrs. Beasley graduated summa cum laude with double majors in Latin and English from Marshall University. She began her teaching career in Latin and English at Shepherdstown High School. She later served as counselor for the West Virginia Education-Talent Search Program before returning to school to obtain a J.D. at West Virginia University College of Law. While pursuing her J.D., Mrs. Beasley served as editor of the West Virginia Law Review.

After graduation from law school, she performed contract legal work for law firms in Waynesburg, Pa. and Buckhannon, W.Va. She also was a part-time instructor in Communication Law at Waynesburg College, taught Business Law, English and Latin at West Virginia Wesleyan, and taught English at Concord.

She received an honorary doctorate from Concord in May 2008 for her service and dedication to the University and for her community and civic involvement.

Mrs. Beasley volunteered for numerous organizations. She was a former member of the West Virginia Women’s Commission, an inactive member of the West Virginia State Bar Association, a founding board member of the Mercer County Hospice, member and former chairperson of the Mercer County Academic Boosters, member and officer of the Athens-Concord Town Social Committee, member and former trustee of the Concord United Methodist Church, and former member of the American Association of University Women (AAUW).

Survivors include her husband Dr. Jerry L. Beasley; daughters Heather Beasley (Peter McIntyre), Sarah Beasley (Thomas McKenna), and Leah Beasley-Wojick (Joshua Wojick); and grandson Maxwell Beasley Wojick.

The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 21, 2012 at the Memorial Funeral Directory and Cremation Center on the Athens Road in Princeton. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2012 at the Concord United Methodist Church in Athens.