Hilda Bevis Chamberlain

Hilda Bevis Chamberlain, born in October 26, 1923 to a family of simple sharecroppers in Bowling Green, Fl, died at home from congestive heart failure, surrounded by family and caregivers on August 23, 2012 as was her wish. She came to Bartow in 1926 at the age of three, to live with William F. (“W.F.”) and Augusta Bevis at the same address where she passed away. W.F. was her mother’s first cousin, and it was the first of many “charmed” stories of Hilda’s life. After 1926, she was a lifelong resident of Polk County, being finally adopted as an adult by W.F. Bevis after legislation passed proposed by he and his law partner Senator Spessard Holland to allow adoption of adult children in 1945. She was graduated from Florida Southern College in 1944, married Richard J. Chamberlain, and together they had four children. She was a teacher in Polk County until her retirement in 1984. She was an avid traveler, visiting Africa, Australia, China, Fiji, Greece, Hawaii, New Zealand, many countries in Europe, and almost all of the US National Parks. She took most of her grandchildren on a trip after their graduation from High School. She was active in the First Presbyterian Church in Lakeland for years, and served as an Elder. When she returned to Bartow in 1995, she joined the First Presbyterian Church in Bartow, teaching Sunday School for many years. She was a member of the Junior League of Greater Lakeland, the Alpha Chi Omega Sorority, a 50 year member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood Chapter “O”, and served as President from 1987 - 1990. She was active and held offices in the Church Women United Organization that took her on several Missionary trips. She served as President from 1994 - 95, and received the Valiant Woman Award, in honor of her service to Church Women United, her Church service, and her Community service. She is survived by her “mom” of over five decades, Adele T. Bevis Durrance of Bartow, Sister in Law Ruth Kahler of Valdosta, GA; daughter Carole C. Marler (Jim) of Lakeland; sons William “Bill” Chamberlain (Jean) of Punta Gorda, Fl; Jordan L. Chamberlain of Apollo Beach, FL, and C. Blake Chamberlain (Gail) of Mulberry FL. In addition, six grandchildren, and three great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins, all of whom she loved as if they were her own. Visitation at Whidden- McLean Funeral Home, 650 East Main Street, Bartow on Wednesday, August 29 from 5 - 7 PM.Services will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 355 S. Florida Ave., Bartow on Thursday, August 30, at 10 Am. Interment to follow at Wildwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Compassionate Care Hospice, 2393 EF Griffin Road, Bartow, FL 33830, or to a charity of choice.