Beverly Siter Youse

Beverly Siter Youse, 71, of Dothan, Alabama, died on January 21, 2026, after a courageous, six-year journey with breast cancer. She was born July 2, 1954, in Hampton, Virginia. 

Beverly is preceded in death by her mother, Katherine Riddick Graves and her father, Willard James Youse.

Beverly attended Hampton High School. She completed a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Christopher Newport College of the College of William and Mary in Newport News, Virginia, and a Master of Science in Agency Counseling from Troy State University in Dothan. Beverly worked as a Medical Social Worker at Norfolk General Hospital in Norfolk, Virginia before relocating to Dothan, Alabama in 1984. As a survivor of domestic violence, it was in working with other survivors, that she found her life’s calling. She served as Executive Director of The House of Ruth, an organization that serves survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in 9 counties in southeast Alabama. Beverly held that position for 36 years, from 1984 until her retirement in 2020. Under her leadership, the agency saw tremendous growth by providing crisis intervention, safe shelter, court advocacy, children’s services, counseling, community education and outreach, no doubt, saving the lives of hundreds of women and children. Beverly was fiercely committed to improving the lives of all domestic violence survivors, and her Impact reached far beyond the 9 counties in her service area. At the state level, she was a charter board member of the Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence, where she served as Treasurer for one term, Vice President for 2 terms, President for 3 terms, and Legislative Chairperson for 11 terms. She was especially gifted in her understanding of the law. She shared her knowledge; training dozens of advocates on the inner workings of the legislative process and how to educate their respective legislators on issues of importance to survivors of domestic violence. Beverly authored many bills that became law, ultimately eliminating barriers and improving services for women state–wide. Beverly was a crazy cat lady. She enjoyed jewelry–making and loved vintage jewelry. She loved the color purple, and shopping for, and collecting antiques. She was known for her colorful language and for having matching accessories for every outfit that she owned. Beverly was a loyal and generous friend, and a tireless voice for those who had none. Her legacy lives on through the impact she had on countless numbers of survivors of domestic violence, not only in the Wire Grass region, but across the state of Alabama.

She is survived by her chosen family, her dear friend, Phyllis Thomas (Dothan, AL), who selflessly became her primary caregiver over the last year; her close friend, of more than 30 years, Melanie Miller (Statesboro, GA); and her beloved cats, Moo Moo and Suki.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to: The House of Ruth, PO Box 968, Dothan, AL 36302. Arrangements will be handled by Ward–Wilson Funeral Home in Dothan, Alabama.

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