Beverly Ann Howard Nielsen, age 80, of Hattiesburg, lost her battle with pancreatic cancer on April 8, 2023. She enjoyed her life doing many things she loved to do, from white water rafting and climbing on the mesa in Colorado, to caring for her feline babies and cheering on her grandkids and great grandkids in sports, cheerleading and pageantry.  She retired from the Hattiesburg American newspaper where she worked as a switchboard operator for many years.  She is preceded in death by her parents, Adrew and Elma Mae Howard; her older sister, Ina Faye LeBlanc; and her son, Benny J. Funck.  She is survived by three brothers, Erval Ray Howard (Marie), Donald Terrell Howard (Shelby Jean), Adrew "Ricky" Howard (Shelia);  sister, Connie Zortman (Steve); her son, Victor Michael Funck (Vicki); her daughter, Patricia Funck DeShetler (Matthew); her 8 cats; 8 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Beverly cast a loving memory in everyone she met. She was fun loving and full of laughter.  You couldn't help but smile anytime you were around her. By her wishes, there will be no services.  In lieu of flowers she asks that donations be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital.