Beverly Jane Kessinger, 82, of Friendship, died Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at SOMC Hospice in Portsmouth. She was born July 20, 1943 in Portsmouth, to the late Adrian and Mary (Ware) Kessinger. Beverly was a Unit Clerk at Southern Ohio Medical Center on 3West, where she met some dear friends, who still met for lunch regularly until Beverly became ill.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Jo Benner, a brother, Earl David Kessinger, a sister-in-law, Pam Kessinger, a niece, Adrian Hatton, and two nephews, David Benner and John Kessinger.
Beverly is survived by her brother, Adrian “Sam” Kessinger of Friendship, a sister-in-law, Judith Kessinger of North Carolina, a nephew, Bryan Kessinger (Frannie) of Stout, a niece, Carrie Kessinger-Berry (J.B.) of Friendship, along with many other nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and some of her dear friends, Pam Snyder, Marsha Whitt, Susan Martin, Sheryl Grooms, and Melanie Hawk.
Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Sunday, October 5, 2025 at Melcher Hammer Funeral Home in Portsmouth, with Pastor Rick Phillips officiating. Burial will follow at Friendship Cemetery in Nile Township. A visitation for friends and family will be on Sunday at the funeral home, from 12:00 PM until the start of service at 2:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Beverly, to SOMC Hospice, 1805 27th Street, Portsmouth, OH 45662, or your local animal shelter.