Obituary of Jovonna N. Beyer

Jovonna Nan Beyer, 85 of Poughkeepsie passed away on March 12, 2023, at Vassar Brothers Medical Center.  Jovonna was born on January 27, 1938, she was the daughter of the late Arthur H. Veach and the late Hazel Melius Veach.  Jovonna was a local resident all her life and a graduate of Poughkeepsie High School, Class of 1956.  On March 30, 1958, at St. James Episcopal Church Poughkeepsie, she married Gerald R. Beyer Sr, the love of her life!  They would be celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary this month.

Jovonna and Jerry met at 16 years of age, in true storybook fashion.  Her boss and owner of Claire's Pies, Bob Haas, met Jerry at Vassar College Golf Course and joined him for a round of golf.  He then played several rounds of golf for the next two weeks with Jerry.  Bob and his family had a picnic at Baird Park and invited Jerry to go along.  He bought Jovonna to supposedly babysit his five sons.  His alternative motive though was to connect Jovonna with Jerry… it worked!  Love at first sight!

Jovonna, affectionately known as “Jody”,  was a member of the Poughkeepsie United Methodist Church.  Jody devoted her life to her four children and husband.  Family was her top priority, always organizing the next celebration or birthday.  Her happiness was measured by her family's happiness.  She wanted everyone to always feel loved and treasured.  Jody held many retail jobs throughout the years, once her children were older.  She had many talents and interests.  However, her true passion was always to make her home warm and inviting for all who entered.

Jody loved spending winters in Naples, Florida with her husband, family and friends.  She enjoyed shopping with her daughters and granddaughters.  She loved hosting the best Christmas Eve parties and spoiling her great grandchildren.  Jody and Jerry showed up at every sporting event, concert, and activity that their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were a part of.  Jody made the best chocolate chip cookies ever!  Family members would always beg her to bake another batch.  Jody would do anything for her family and just wanted to make everybody happy!  She was loving, caring, and devoted beyond measure.

Jovonna is survived by her husband Gerald of Poughkeepsie, daughter and son-in-law Donna and Robert Miller of Poughkeepsie, daughter and son-in-law Deborah and Brad Forrest of Poughkeepsie, son and daughter-in-law Gerald and Elise Beyer of Hyde Park, son and daughter-in-law Craig and Phouvieng Beyer of New Milford CT., her grandchildren Brad Jr., Jovonna, Michele, Cameron, Julia, Jaelyn, Sawyer and 9 great grandchildren.

Jovonna was predeceased by her parents and her siblings, Dr. Carson W. Veach, Bruce Veach, Arthur Veach, Peter Veach, Virginia Dangerfield and Shirley Kelsey.

The last 2 ½ years Jody was cared for around the clock at home by her loving husband Jerry.  In addition, she was cared for by her daughter Debbie, family, and aides.  Due to complications from a flu shot, Jody suffered a long and courageous battle.  A special thank you to her niece Dr. Cathy Veach and to Jovonna’s Primary Care Doctor’s nurse Kristen for all their support, and a thank you to the Arlington Rescue Squad.      

Calling Hours will be held on Thursday, March 16, from 5 to 8pm at the Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home, 371 Hooker Ave. Poughkeepsie.  Funeral services will be held 10am at the Funeral Home on Friday, March 17 with burial to follow at the Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery.

If you would like to leave an online condolence please visit our website at www.doylefuneralhome.com