Obituary of Bevell Mason

Bevell Mason was born April 13, 1935 to the late Louis B. and Queenie E. Mason. She was the eleventh of twelve children. She received her Bachelor's degree in Education from the State University of New York at Fredonia in 1958. In September of the same year, Bevell moved to Rochester, New York and began teaching as an elementary school teacher at School No. 4 on Bronson Avenue. She earned a Master's degree in Education from Columbia University in New York City, New York in 1963. During her professional career, she went on to become a principal at School No. 52 on Farmington Road and School No. 42 on Lake Avenue, from which she retired. Bevell was a great principal, known for her warm smile and high expectations, not only for students, but for teachers, as well. She was highly respected for wanting to see students succeed. Bevell was a very musical person. She would often play the guitar for her students, and started a Bell Choir at School No. 42 during her administration. Moreover, she was a Bell Player with the Bell Choir at Penfield Methodist Church for many years. In addition to her love of education and music, Bevell also enjoyed athletic activities. She participated in cross-country skiing and was a long-term member of the Rochester Women Teachers Bowling League (the largest league in Rochester). She was also an avid tennis player with club memberships in the Tennis Without Partners and the Midtown Tennis Clubs. Bevell's hobbies included serving the community with a special group of people known as the Delta Ressic, and traveling the world from Alaska to Australia. Departing this life August 10, 2012, Bevell was predeceased by her parents, Louis B. and Queenie B. Mason; five brothers and four sisters: James Benton, Louis, Alex, Richard, Lavane, Mable, Gwendolyn, Gladys and Mary-Iretha. She leaves to cherish her memory: two brothers, Leroy and Theodore, as well as a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. Rev. Dr. Vera Miller, officiant. Interment, Ridge Lawn Cemetery, Cheektowaga, NY.