Mrs. Beverli Jean Carpenter-HUnter

In Loving Memory Of Beverli Jean Carpenter-Hunter, was born on December 25, 1950 to the late Harry and VeMae Robinson, and also, parentage blessed by Clarence and Juanita Burton in Detroit, Michigan. As a little girl, Beverli knew she was born to be a force in this world. Intelligent, artistic, creative, musically gifted as she was formally trained in piano and self-taught acoustic guitar. Read and wrote music while enhancing this gift through classes at Wayne State University. Very articulate, her ability to speak with such conviction and power was truly unmatched. Let’s be frank, she could get you told quick (poor Lt. Troost found out). More importantly, she had a heart and love for her family and friends. Okay, jewelry and shoes too. Beverli was educated through Catholic and Detroit Public Schools, graduating from Murray Wright, class of 1968. She would later marry, and to this union, Lisa Mychelle was born. She continued her education over the years, later earning her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Beverli worked for Blue Cross Blue Shield, and later began her career with the city of Detroit in 1978 in three different capacities. The Water Board, Emergency Operator, and Police Officer. She would tell Lisa; I’m going to advance myself every five years and she did just that until retirement. It was no surprise to her daughter that her career journey would transition to an officer and her family was there cheering her on at graduation from the academy. Her work as an officer would earn her many accommodations of recognition. Beverli would often take Lisa to work at 1300 Beaubien to watch her in action as a 911 operator. It didn’t stop there as Lisa would later know the 12th Precinct like she was a cadet in training. Beverli retired from the DPD, a job that she truly enjoyed, in 1993. Before retirement, she was planning and studying for the sergeant’s exam and undoubtedly, she would have passed. But a duty related injury gave way to God’s plan. God makes no mistakes. Retirement afforded her the opportunity to focus on her first true love, MUSIC and SINGING and new love, being Nana and affectionately called Nana by many others. Beverli taught her daughter and grandchildren many lessons of life, directly and indirectly, sometimes, you just got a front row seat to the show. One of her many gifts was her creative mind, IT WAS HER LOVE LANGUAGE! She expressed and shared it with and for her grandchildren. Creating and handmaking blankets and clothes for them, adorned with their names. Let’s not be confused here, Leyton’s and TJ Maxx were always in rotation. She and Janaya would sing Rachelle Ferrell’s ‘Til You Come Back To Me in the basement…there’s a video of it…sorry Janaya, but it’s truly adorable. She would chaperone Janaya’s 3rd grade trip to Mammoth Cave. Purple hair and signs at their sporting events representing their school colors and ironically, her favorite color. Over the years she threw her hat in the political arena as well. Becoming Precinct Delegate – Detroit, MI, and running for commissioner for the city of Battle Creek where she resided for the past 25 years. She also believed she was related to First Lady, Michelle Obama. They shared the same maiden name, Robinson. She was convinced and determined to find out. She had a passion for effecting change. She never lost sight of her dream though, singing. All the rehearsals, with little Lisa in tow most of the time. Her granddaughter Janaya wasn’t spared either. My God, the infamous basement was turned into a mini recording studio. She shared her love of music and singing with Lisa early on and later with Janaya, Jayla, Jalen, Jason, and Cortez. She also loved to share her memories and shenanigans of growing up in the Brewster Projects, 8 Mile & Greenlawn and her DPD days (one of her partners and lil brother, Doug, and his wife, were there for the birth of her granddaughter Janaya, he may not have had an option to opt out). Beverli’s dream of mainstream recording became a reality when Ian Levine, a producer and record exec from London, came calling. Singing professionally wasn’t new to her. She had given herself the professional stage name of Kwanza Joi in the 70’s. She was lead vocalist in many groups. Amber, Constant Heat and Kazmir, just to name a few. Then, came The Monitors by way of Ian’s vision of rekindling old Motown acts. Their songs are on YouTube! The Monitors were, in part, the catalyst of another love story, Beverli and Herschel’s. Man meets woman, man and woman share a love of singing, man and woman are both basketball fanatics (they would jokingly refer to Lindsey Hunter, former Piston, as their son), and later become Husband and Wife. A match made in heaven and for those that really knew Beverli, particularly her mother, Juanita, would lovingly say, Herschel doesn’t have a clue. He loved Beverli so, until his last breath, and SHE, him. Beverli is daughter, sister, mom, grandmother, wife, aunt, cousin, friend, and LOVED! Beverli was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Robert “Bobby” Robinson, and husband, Herschel Hunter Beverli’s life is left to be celebrated by, daughter, Lisa Mychelle, grandchildren, Janaya Michelle, Jayla Marie-VeMae, Jalen Malik, Jason Mekhi, and special grandson, Cortez, special sister, Veronica and Valeria, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dearest friends – we are grateful there are so many to name.

Mrs. Beverli Jean Carpenter-HUnter

December 25, 1950 - April 28, 2024