Carvin Otis Beavers

Carvin Otis Beavers was born on February 14, 1952 in Laurel, Mississippi to the late Ira Beavers and Verlena (Keys) Beavers. Carvin, 70, passed away on May 21st 2022.

Out of necessity and the approval of his mother, Carvin spent the majority of his adolescent years under the nurturing care of Horace and Blanch Fox. Horace and Blanch were very close family friends. In those times, during the migration from Mississippi to Illinois family and friends took care of each other.  He often referred to Horace and Blanch as his second mother and father. Around the age of 11, he expressed his desire to be with his brothers and sisters permanently. He moved back to Joliet where he would continue to forge a close bond with his siblings, cousins, and close family members.

 Carvin Graduated from Joliet Central high school where he was a premier wrestler and star football player. He loved the game of football. He said, “I love the game of football, it’s the one time you truly were in a melting pot. You come together as one. No race hate, only a little anger with a winning attitude!” His elite athleticism would land him a scholarship to play college football at Northern Illinois University.  Due to personal reasons, Carvin transferred to the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee where he played defensive end and linebacker. Standing 6’3” and weighing 235lbs, Carvin could run a 40yard dash in 4.5 seconds. That speed for such a big man is impressive still today. Carvin was scouted by the NFL and landed the opportunity to try out for a professional football team but fell short due to medical reasons discovered during tryouts.   

In 1983, Carvin joined the U.S. Army where he held the job of Wire Systems Installer. He served a combined total of 6 honorable years in the Army (active/reserve). Carvin obtained the rank of Specialist 4/E4 while on active duty but turned down the rank of Sergeant/E5 because, in his words, “I was ready to go.” His decorations and medals include the Army Achievement medal, Good Conduct Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Over Seas Service Ribbon, Expert Rifle Marksmanship badge, and several superior performance awards. 

Because of his amazing work ethic and impressive work history Carvin never had a problem finding a good job! He held positions with several large well-known companies but would ultimately retire from British Petroleum America (BP) where he worked as a Process Technician. 

Carvin was a very spiritual and kindhearted man who always greeted you with a smile spreading joy and laughter wherever he went. With his infectious smile and larger than life exaggerations, there were very few people who could tell a story and command a room as well as Carvin did. He always made sure you were having a good time.

Carvin was proceeded in death by his parents Ira and Verlena, sister Etta B. Simmons and his brothers Joelouis and Luther Paul Beavers.

Carvin leaves to celebrate his life: his son, Stephen Bridgewater of Spokane, WA; two grandsons Tristan and Kobe; brother Ira A. Beavers II; three sisters, Wilhelmena Beavers-Ramirez, Edwina B. Covington, and Hertissena Crosby; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins that he was very close to and loved dearly. 

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