Beverly Ann Raphel

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Beverly King Raphel, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. A true southern belle, Beverly embodied grace, charm, and kindness while also having the keen ability to enrich the lives of all who knew her through her intelligence, strength, and wit. Beverly peacefully departed this world on February 13, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of passion, good will, and an unwavering devotion to her family, friends, and equine companions. She was 85 years old.

Born September 4, 1938 in McKinney, Texas, Bev was an avid athlete and star pupil. She knew from a young age that she wanted to become an educator. In 1959, Beverly achieved that goal when she graduated from the University of North Texas with a bachelor’s degree in education. Her teaching career spanned nearly five decades and stretched from Texas all the way to Alaska, until she retired from the Bryan Independent School District in the early 2000s.

In addition to her passion for teaching, Bev had a deep, unwavering love for horses. In the mid-90s, her dream of owning her own horse ranch came to fruition when she and her late husband, Bradley, started Carousel Acres Equestrian Center – a facility dedicated to the breeding, showing, and education of the Peruvian Paso horse. Throughout her equestrian career, she cultivated a profound connection with these magnificent creatures, spending countless hours training and caring for them. She was a decorated rider, competing in horse shows all across the country, both by herself and with her beloved drill teams, the Texas Ladies Aside and the Choctaw Dreamcatchers.

Though she may no longer ride alongside us, Beverly’s spirit will continue to gallop freely in the hearts of those who were touched by her presence. Her infectious smile, fun personality, and positive energy will live on in the hearts of her loved ones.

Bev was preceded in death by her daughter, Laura Lee, and the love of her life, her husband, Brad Raphel. She is survived by her children, John [Julie] Andrews, Brent [Danette] Andrews, and Wendy [John] Fredrickson, as well as her grandchildren, Meghan, Madison, Braden, Cody, Taylor, Riley, Camryn, and Kenzie. She had several great grandchildren and a multitude of friends who will forever treasure the profound impact she had on their lives.

A memorial service to celebrate Beverly’s beautiful life will be held later this spring at her ranch in Caldwell, TX. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the North American Peruvian Horse Association in honor of Bev’s lifelong dedication to Peruvian Paso horses. May she find eternal peace in the pastures of Heaven, surrounded by the family, friends, and horses she so dearly loved.