Beverly Doreen Veenker of Holden Beach died December 9, 2024.

She was born in Pittsburgh PA on April 19, 1942 to James Walter Long and Margaret Campbell Long.  She grew up in Erie PA where her parents opened a performing arts school of dance.  She studied there, taught there, and performed in their annual shows for many years .  She also studied with renowned dance masters in NYC every summer.  When she graduated from McDowell High School in 1960, she performed and toured with Barnes and Carruthers on the state fair circuit around the country.  She danced in NYC as well, for a time, in the corps d’ballet at Radio City.  She lived and taught dance in Texas and Ohio before moving to Bowling Green KY.  It was there she began teaching dance at Western Kentucky University.  She founded the Dance Program there in 1974 and produced dancers who are still performing on the New York stage, appearing in movies, and acting in regional theaters around the country.  Her students and the university honored her on April 20, 2024 with a 50th Anniversary celebration at the annual Evening of Dance.  While her students admit to fearing her demanding requirements, they adore her still and express appreciation for the profound influence she had on their lives.  With love and respect, they, from time to time, referred to her as “Mommie Dearest.” 

During her 35 years in Bowling Green, she continued to work in NYC and other venues as Vice Principal of the Training School for Teachers with Dance Educators of America.  In retirement, after moving to Holden Beach NC, she taught dance and choreographed shows for the Brunswick Little Theatre in Southport NC.  She worked with Debbie Skillman to found Musical Theatre Apprentices, a performing company for teens, at the Little Theatre.  Beverly loved making Canine Angels’ therapy dog visits with her beloved Havanese, Bailey. She was a Hospice Volunteer and a longtime member of St. James the Fisherman Episcopal Church in Shallotte.  

She is survived by her husband Ronald Veenker, her brother Jay Long (Lee Ann), nephews James (Jessica) Long and Jeremy Long, sons Michael Leonard (Karen), Robert Leonard (Cheri), Jonathan Veenker (Rachel), grandchildren Nicole and Dillon Leonard, Molly and Gregory Leonard, Madeline Cayton and Grant Veenker. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Brunswick Little Theatre, PO Box 10625, Southport NC 28461

There will be a visitation on Wednesday, December 18 at Brunswick Funeral Service Chapel from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. 

A memorial service at St James the Fisherman Episcopal Church will take place early in 2025.