Beverly MacNamara Wait, born May 31, 1933 in Binghamton, New York, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 17, 2026.

Beverly was the beloved wife of Samuel Wait of Chesterfield for 53 wonderful years together. She was the loving mother of Scott (Barbara) Wait of Missouri and Elizabeth (Daryl, deceased) Libow of Maryland; a cherished grandmother of six; and a proud great-grandmother of two. She was the daughter of Arthur and Doris Michael MacNamara.

Beverly grew up in upstate New York and graduated from Bethlehem Central High School outside of Albany in 1951. She went on to attend Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, where she met the love of her life, Samuel Wait. They graduated together in 1955 and married the following summer, beginning a partnership that would span more than five decades.

Education was one of Beverly's lifelong callings. She began her teaching career at an elementary school in Plainfield, New Jersey, and later brought her gifts to Pittsford, New York, where she established a kindergarten program for the Allendale School. After moving to St. Louis, she founded and directed the Ellisville Baptist Church Nursery School, creating a warm and nurturing place for young children to learn and grow. She was also a longtime member of Manchester United Methodist Church and frequently attended Central Presbyterian Church.

Beverly's heart belonged to her family. She found joy in the simple, meaningful moments of life: time together at the pool, days at the beach, lively games of bridge, and the company of those she loved. Her hospitality, generosity, and commitment to equality will be remembered by all who knew her. A private interment service will be held at Manchester United Methodist Church.

As a service of the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, friends may sign the family's on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.