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Willo Beresford Obituary

BERESFORD, WILLO MAY This beloved servant of God left this world on July 9, 2008. She was 91 years young. She was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor 27 days before she died. Willo May will be greatly missed, but our hearts are full of joy that she died peacefully and went to be with her Lord. Born Willo May Callaway on April 19, 1917 in Monett, MO to Robert and Rose Callaway, she moved to Waco, TX when she was three years old. She had an older brother, Charles, and a younger sister, Virginia, who both preceded her in death. She graduated from Bethany Peniel College (now Southern Nazarene University) in 1938 and went on to get her masters degree from Oklahoma University. She began teaching music at her alma mater before she actually graduated. She married Daniel Bryan Beresford on December 15, 1938. On August 4, 1945, Willo May and Dan had a son, Kenneth Wayne. In 1948, the Beresfords moved to Pasadena, CA where Willo May began teaching at Pasadena College. On August 13, 1951, the Beresfords had another son, Keith Douglas. Willo May taught at Pasadena College until 1957 when the family moved to Lancaster, CA for one year and then to Bakersfield, CA for five years. In 1963, the Beresfords returned to Pasadena and shortly thereafter, Willo May resumed her teaching career at Pasadena College. In 1973, Pasadena College relocated to San Diego, CA and became Point Loma College (now Point Loma Nazarene University) where Willo May continued teaching until her retirement in 1992. Besides her career as a college professor, she also taught private lessons in piano and organ. Willo May served as pianist or organist for church services, weddings and funerals continuously for 79 years. Willo May and Dan were married for over 65 years until his death in 2004. Willo May is survived by her sons, Kenneth (Pilot Point, TX) and his wife Marti, Keith (San Diego, CA) and his wife Lynne; six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. She left a legacy of faith, love, service and music that will resound for generations to come. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 19th, at 1 p.m. at the Crill Performance Center on the Point Loma Nazarene University campus, 3900 Lomaland Dr., San Diego, CA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either the Dan Beresford Work and Witness Fund at San Diego First Church of the Nazarene, or the Willo May Organ Fund (also at SDFC) or the PLNU Beresford Piano Scholarship Fund.

Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on Jul. 18, 2008.
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Memories and Condolences
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We'll miss Willo May!

Many of us will never forget the enjoyment of listening to her accompany musical worship at the keys of the "PLC Organ" during chapel --- in the late '70's --- in the Golden Gymnasium! Wow!

What an experience that was! We appreciated the technique, style, and skill she brought to that instrument, making chapel all that much more worshipful and meaningful.

God Bless the Beresford family as we also mourn the loss of Willo May.

Jay Palmquist

August 4, 2008

Willo May was a regular at lunch in the old PLNC cafeteria. I have enjoyed many lunchtime conversations with her. I learned greatly from her wisdom, and I appreciated her humility and positive attitudes about life. I was saddened to hear of her passing but uplifted to know that she is now in the Promised Land.

Kim Schaeffer

July 28, 2008

I first became friends with Mrs. B. in the Fall of 1985. She was always a great source of moral support and spiritual strength. She loved me as her son, and showered on me a vast amount of musical and spiritual knowledge. I was a privileged visitor to her home on many occasions and got to know and love members of her family. She was one of two very important people to bring me to Christ. She attended my baptism some 17 years ago, played piano - and organ - for me by the hour, fed me on her delectable cooking, listened while I gabbed ceaselessly, and shared my sorrows and my joys. I am grateful that I got to attend her 50th wedding anniversary, and that, by God's grace, I got to speak with her just several hours before she went home. She was a radiant Christian witness and the essence of the Good Woman mentioned in the last chapter of Proverbs. I love and miss her so much. Her good work will not gone in vain. Keep the home fires burning for us, Mrs. B. We'll be with you in time. Love to Keith, Lynne, and family.

Noshir Mehta

July 22, 2008

Willo May was such a woman of grace, I first got to know her during the 5 years I worked with her at First Church San Diego. Even when I knew she probably didn't appreciate the more contemporary music I often chose, she never complained; in fact, she made it clear that she was supportive and that she loved me and appreciated my efforts. What a wonderful and gifted musician and friend!

Rod Cathey

July 21, 2008

Mrs. B was a wonderful mentor to me as a musician and as a Christian. She was my college music theory teacher and piano teacher. She even tried to give some of us free organ lessons once! Later, I was privileged to be her colleague at PLNU and also in our work together at San Diego First Church of the Nazarene. I will miss her kind and generous spirit; her life will live on as she continues to challenge me to live a life of service and love.

Victor Labenske

July 21, 2008

Willo Mae was a woman of poise and spiritual maturity. She loved her students and fellow travelers. We are so blessed to have benefitted from her gifts and care.

Leon & Chris Kigler

Leon Kugler

July 21, 2008

Mrs. B was my piano teacher in elementary school and then again when I was a student at PLNC. She was very patient and very kind. She also played the organ for our wedding in August 2004, at Brown Chapel on campus. She helped me select wonderful songs and our wedding day was so beautiful, in part because of her talents. Thank you for caring for me and sharing in my special day. Willo May, you will be greatly missed, but your legacy never forgotten.

Jenny (Shellhamer) Verrett

July 19, 2008

Willo May was a wonderful teacher, mentor and friend. It was a blessing to me listening to her play the organ every Sunday. She was gracious, generous of spirit, and a true woman of God.

Phyllis Fox

July 19, 2008

Willo May was a wonderful, faithful friend to my mother, transporting her to Bible Study, taking her to lunch, visiting her when she was sick and in the hospital. Willo May also had a profound impact as faculty on my children. I valued her as a friend and a compassionate woman of prayer and good works.

Patricia Curley

July 18, 2008

Exceedingly generous – with her time, with her spirit, and displayed through her modest means of living; positively humble – always deflecting her praise to One whom she credited for the blessing; and effervescently full – of life, of intelligence, and of wit. I am richer for knowing her and aspire to be but a fraction of the person that she will always be to me.

J. Craig Johnson

July 18, 2008

Willo May was a wonderful musician, friend, and mentor. I always enjoyed her organ music and complimented her everytime I saw her. She will be greatly missed by my entire family, but her music talent and wonderful memories will be forever on our hearts. Love & prayers to the family, Martha Neal

Martha Neal

July 18, 2008

Willo May had a great impact on my life. First, she was my mother's music teacher at Pasadena, and she played the organ at my parents' wedding. Second, she became my piano teacher at Point Loma and then played the organ at my wedding. She patiently taught me piano for three years and helped me to develop those skills. Her personal touch made my college days special. She was a wonderful teacher and woman of God.

Joy (Payton) Straub

July 18, 2008

To the Family of Willo May,
She was 19 when I was born. Our mothers were very best friends in Waco. Since she was already gone off to college, I didn't know her as well as I did her sister, Virginia. However, I did know them quite well. Dan's brother, John, was my Sunday School teacher at Waco First for a long time. The Calloways were so very dear to our family. I always missed my "Uncle Bob" and "Aunt Rose," I know you will miss Willow May, but just think of all those she is with now, especially with Jesus. God Bless All of You.

Betsy Ross Smith Garrett

July 18, 2008

Dear Kenneth, Keith and Lynne,
Willo Mae was a wonderful example of a true Christian servant. I am honored to have been a colleague and friend. She will be missed in so many ways. Her musical abilities enriched us all.
In loving sympathy,

Dottie Crummy

July 18, 2008

Dear Beresford Family,
I first became aquainted with Mrs. B when I was in 6th grade, having just returned from the mission field in Colombia, South America. She gave me FREE piano lessons for several years, and was by far the best teacher I have ever had. Not only was she an amazing teacher , but as an extremely shy 11 year old, I immediately noted her quiet and gentle spirit that helped guide me into the amazing world of music. Her guidance translated into confidence, and we played offeratories together when 1st Church was on Euclid Avenue. She always had a way of making me feel valued and loved. I miss her deeply.

Leanne (Morgan) Jones

July 18, 2008

What a wonderful lady and how she will be missed. Her music will play on in our hearts.

Myrna May

July 18, 2008

Dear Kenneth, Keith and Lynne,

I am so saddened by Mrs. B's passing, but am so blessed to have known her. She was a wonderful teacher, a mentor, and a dear friend to me. I will miss playing music with her on Sundays; playing Scrabble, Farkel, and her favorite card game, Polish Poker; sharing meals; and just knowing that I could pick up the phone and call her. Thanks for sharing her with us. --Beryl

beryl pagan

July 18, 2008

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