A woman murdered inside a Midlothian church was laid to rest, Saturday.
Hundreds gathered at the Cowboy Church to pay their respects to Missy Bevers, 45, who died Monday.
“It showed what her life represented. She was such a beautiful person and she was a friend to everybody,” said friend, Angela Rickabaugh.
As crowds made their way into the service, pictures of Bevers greeted them on a screen at the front. They showed the wife and mother through various times in her life, capturing the joy many said she brought to the world.
“She was a mom first and foremost,” Rickabaugh said.
A mother to 3 daughters, church leaders said Bevers dedicated all her time to her girls. A “Godly woman,” they said Bevers and her husband wanted to raise their children to be people of faith and good values. Over the course of the service, they shared stories from Bevers’ childhood and family life that moved people to both laughter and tears.
But there was no ignoring the reason they were all there.
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“The person that did this is living in a dark place,” said one church leader.
Bevers was attacked inside the Creekside Church after arriving at about 4 a.m. to teach an early Camp Gladiator fitness class. Surveillance video from within the church shows someone dressed in tactical gear walking around the facility prior to Bevers’ arrival. Police believe that person killed her and then fled sometime before 5 a.m.
Prior to Saturday’s funeral, Bevers’ mother-in-law wrote an open letter to the killer, imploring them to come forward. The full letter is below.
Police have asked the public to closely watch the surveillance video released. They believe someone may recognize the killer’s walk and mannerisms. Anyone with information is asked to contact the department's tip line at 972-775-7624. Tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward and can also remain anonymous by contacting Ellis County Crime Stoppers at 972-937-PAYS (7297).
Letter:
A letter to the Murder of Missy Bevers:
Do you even realize what you have done to her daughters, husband, our whole family? Was it really worth it? Why did you think this was so necessary?
You know who you are! Your husband/wife and family members know who you are. They know your "special" walk. Right now, they are as guilty as you are, by not coming forward! I honestly pray you do not have children. My granddaughters at least have the knowledge, their mom was a kindhearted, loving, caring person. You have now ruined your children's life, along with your family's life by doing this senseless act. We can at least visit Missy at her grave site, even though we have the comfort of knowing Missy is already in heaven. Your children will get to visit you in prison, forever reminded of your crazy, senseless act. What a legacy you have doled out to your family! I will be praying for all of them.
I truly feel worse for your family, than mine. Please, come forward!! Give yourself peace, give our family peace. Give some honor back to your family!
God will forgive you!
We will forgive you, because we know and you know, that is what Jesus has commanded us to do.
Marsha Tucker
