The Honorable Quincy Beavers Jr.

On August 21, 1942, a major tropical storm impacted both south and east Texas. Just a couple of days later on August 25th, Quincy Beavers, Jr. made his entrance into the world at Dr. Theodore Taliaferro’s Hospital on a calm, hot, sunny day. Later on August 30th, another major Matagorda hurricane devastated all of Texas. Quincy made his entrance between two horrific storms and was destined to be a major force during his lifetime. Quincy was the first-born to the late Ophelia Jeffrey Beavers Daniels and the late Quincy Beavers, Sr. He garnered a lot of attention because he was the first grandchild to his paternal grandparents and the first of two siblings. Quincy began his educational journey while attending Mrs. McDowell’s nursery school on North Moore Street in North Tyler. During a brief residency in California, Quincy and his baby sister Beverly, began their elementary school education at Abraham Lincoln Elementary School in Los Angeles before returning to Tyler where they enrolled at T. J. Austin Elementary School. He later attended both Emmett J. Scott Junior and Senior High School where he graduated in 1960. During his high school years, he would carry a horn and pretend to play in the Emmett J. Scott award winning marching band. However, he was an accomplished and talented athlete who demonstrated his skills on the track, basketball and football teams. Even though he became an All District 2AAA track athlete during the 1959-1960 season, football was really his favorite sport as he played the “cornerback” position which requires speed, agility and strength. He would brag that his job as cornerback was to stop the receiver from catching the ball and if he was fortunate to intercept and score a touchdown, that was “gravy”. However, during his football career, he scored three touchdowns in one game and ran an 85-yard touchdown in another game. After graduating from high school, he moved to Los Angeles and attended Los Angeles City College where he had hopes of playing college football but, unfortunately, he was hit by a car and suffered a major leg injury. He transferred to Grambling State University where he graduated and received his Bachelor of Science Degree. He attended graduate school at Texas A&M University, formerly East Texas State University. Judge Beavers' public service and law enforcement career spanned over forty plus years. Immediately upon graduation from college, he served as Assistant Dean of Men at Jarvis Christian University. He also worked as a counselor for the Texas State Health department. He began his law enforcement career when he became a patrolman with the Big Sandy Police Department. He later became Chief Warrant Officer and Deputy Sheriff for the Smith County Sheriff Department. His long-term dedicated law enforcement background preceded his historic election when he was elected on November 1, 1994 as the first African American to serve as Smith County Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1. He was later sworn in on January 2, 1995. Judge Beavers proudly served for twenty-seven years while helping to keep his community safer. His judicial responsibilities included: presiding over class C misdemeanor cases, as well as eviction, small claims, civil and truancy cases; performing inquests, setting bonds for county and state prisoners and officiating weddings. He always fulfilled his responsibilities and tasks; however, he wholeheartedly believed that his main goal was to serve the residents of the city of Tyler and Smith County who elected him to office. Judge Beavers was the epitome of a true public servant who genuinely cared and always went beyond the call of duty. He retired from his dedicated service in 2022 but continued to serve with various community projects including the installation of an historical marker in North Tyler honoring Dr. Noble E. Young, the first Black pharmacist in Tyler and over 100 Black businesses that have existed over many years; also the Judge Quincy Beavers, Jr., Foundation with a mission to provide scholarships to students who express an interest in attending a Historically Black College or University (H.B.C.U.) and award grants to community organizations that further its mission. Because of his extraordinary public service, Judge Beavers received numerous awards and accolades during his outstanding career including: the Hope Award presented by the East Texas Crisis Center for contributions made towards preventing domestic violence; Pioneer Hall of Fame Award from Jarvis Christian University for outstanding contributions to the growth and development of students at Jarvis for supervision of criminal justice interns working in his office; Certificate of Appreciation for valuable contributions to truancy intervention presented by the Tyler Independent School District; The Dream Realized Award for contributions in the field of Justice presented by Ebenezer A.M.E. Church; the Community Service Award presented by the Greater East Texas Black Nurses Association and many others. He was a devoted member of Miles Chapel C.M.E. Church; a lifetime member of the Southwestern Province of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity; member of Justices of the Peace and Constables Association of Texas and a board member of the Grambling State University Legends. On February 12th, Judge Beavers made his earthly transition as he joined his loving parents and grandparents, three of the five best friends who were known as the “5 Amigos”, Travis Wallace, Cecil Ward and Curtis Woods; and other loved ones for a heavenly reunion. He leaves to cherish many memories: his devoted sister, Beverly Beavers Brooks (Willie); his half-sister, Quincyda Lovelace Ray (Eddie); niece, Marie Lovelace; his numerous devoted cousins; “fifth Amigo”, Dr. Theodore Henderson; his special “sister friends” Bettye Mitchell, Cheryl Basye and Ann Robinson; special friend Lafayette McGee; Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity brothers and the Grambling State University Legends. We joyfully celebrate him as he rests from his labor in eternal peace. Even though his light here on earth has diminished, his passion for serving others will forever continue to live in the hearts of many. Scripture: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith….” II Timothy 4:7 Donations for the Quincy Beavers, Jr. Foundation ZELLE to Southside Bank at bb.brooks@att.net

The Honorable Quincy Beavers Jr.

August 25, 1942 - February 12, 2026