NEWPORT NEWS – Beverly Hicks Diamonstein, the widow of the late Delegate Alan A. Diamonstein, passed away on November 10, 2024.
When you think of Beverly, two things come to mind immediately. First, she lived the expression “she did everything a man did, only backwards and in high heels.” And yes, she loved to dance. More on that later.
Secondly, if you know the Broadway musical, A Chorus Line, start singing the song ONE to yourself. Here’s a start to help you: “She walks into a room and she’s uncommonly rare, very unique, peripatetic, poetic, and chic… She walks into a room and you know from her maddening pose, effortless whirl, she’s the special girl… ONE singular sensation, every little step she takes… ONE thrilling combination every move that she makes….” You get the picture.
Beautiful inside and out, Beverly had a sense of style, grace, and fashion. She made everyone she met feel like they were the most important person in the world. She was wise, strategic, and would offer insights and ideas to governors, senators, legislators, and friends without them knowing it!
An authentic Southern belle, Beverly was gentle and gracious on the outside and made of steel inside.
Leaders of the community, Edwin Joseph, Walter Segaloff, Joe Frank, and others sought her out for advice.
Beverly was a huge asset in Alan’s public service and political journey. She made speeches throughout Virginia when Alan ran for the Democratic National Committee and Lt. Governor. She attended and organized countless events for candidates running for all offices, and she wasn’t afraid to raise some money too.
Lynda Robb can tell you what an asset it was to have Beverly travel with her when Chuck ran for Governor. Beverly provided him wise counsel, unwavering support, and made campaigning fun and meaningful. Lynda continued to rely on Beverly’s advice throughout Chuck’s career in public office. Beverly was key to raising money for Lynda’s Virginia Women’s Cultural History Project.
Beverly may have grown up in Cuckoo, Virginia, but she could easily fit in with the most sophisticated folks on Wall Street or the film industry in LA.
When then Attorney General, Mary Sue Terry, decided to run for Governor, Beverly was by her side. “Indispensable” is the word Mary Sue uses to describe Beverly’s value and help to her statewide campaign.
Beverly was passionate about empowering women in politics. She relished attending the Democratic National Convention where Geraldine Ferraro became the first woman nominated for Vice President. Beverly had a special fondness for former Texas Governor Anne Richards and enjoyed accompanying her in Texas for a celebration of Women in Texas’ History. Both Mrs. Johnson and Lynda’s sister, Luci, relied on Beverly for support and enjoyed campaigning together in Virginia. To put it simply, Beverly was a huge fan and supporter of Hillary Clinton. Beverly believed that women leaders in various fields, such as business, public office, education, architecture, and the arts, brought immense value to every organization.
Shortly after marrying Alan, Beverly, and her cherished friend and neighbor, Jaci Segaloff, decided to collaborate and organize an annual book and author luncheon to raise funds for Hadassah. Beverly also contributed to Jaci’s annual fashion show fundraiser for Hadassah. Did we mention that Beverly even modeled early on to earn extra money and clothes? She was highly sought after by the region’s top stores, including The Famous, Miller and Rhoads, Thalheimers, and more. Beverly was truly a beauty.
Beverly was also deeply passionate about the arts. In her local community, Beverly was involved with the Peninsula Fine Arts Center. When then Christopher Newport University President Paul Trible proposed merging PFAC with the University, he turned to Beverly for help. Edwin Joseph had already given the University the old Warwick High School property. Trible wanted to use the building as the foundation for the University Arts School. Beverly had a clear vision for this project. She invited Paul and Rosemary Trible to New York City, took them to the Zoo in Central Park, and asked them to imagine a similar colonnade on the face of the high school. She also arranged a meeting with internationally renowned architect I.M. Pei.
The Ferguson Center for the Arts is the realization of Beverly’s vision, with an assist from Alan (who chaired the House Appropriations and Higher Education Committee).
Former Newport News Mayor Joseph Frank also asked Beverly to lead a major project for the city to restore Lee Hall. Beverly did this too, seemingly moving mountains effortlessly.
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts was Beverly’s real love and joy. She took pride in the fact that Virginia was the first state to have a state-supported museum. Beverly dedicated almost 16 years of her life to the museum, serving as a member of the museum board appointed by three Governors and, later, the museum foundation board. It’s no wonder that when Beverly was involved with VMFA, and Alan was in the legislature, that the appropriations for the museum were always approved by the legislature and Governor.
Beverly’s passion for the museum was truly inspiring. Major museum supporters like the McGlothlins, the Lewis’s, and the Gottwalds can attest to her hard work and dedication.
Like everyone else, Beverly had her challenges. She was a single mother with four children to support. It was a tough time, but Beverly never gave up. In a time when single women with children were considered risky, her first checking account was approved by Old Point National Bank, inspiring her lifelong loyalty.
When Alan and Beverly were dating, Alan was like the sixth member of the tribe. He loved spending time with Beverly’s children. After six years of dating, Beverly finally said ‘yes’ to Alan’s proposal. They married on October 28, 1972. Alan adopted all four children and made them his own.
Beverly relied on these children to help with Alan’s political endeavors and took great pleasure in bringing them to special events where they could meet many of our nation’s political leaders.
Remember how Beverly loved dancing? Well, Alan’s father, Bill, loved dancing with Beverly and instilled that love in his son, Alan. When things got tough at the Virginia General Assembly, Beverly would call Alan and tell him not to make weekend plans. She’d pack a weekend bag for the two of them and make reservations at the Rainbow Room in Rockefeller Center for Saturday night. Alan and Beverly would spend a weekend in New York visiting museums and literally dancing the night away on Saturday.
Beverly grew up as the oldest of five children. Her siblings are Olivia Ryan, who still lives in Louisa, her brother Joel Hicks (deceased), Cherylle Lang from Mineral, and Delpha Hicks (also deceased).
A life well-lived, Beverly’s life was filled with love and dedication to her family and community. She was a strong believer in the best of humanity, a loyal Democrat who believed the government’s role was to serve people, and a friend who was always there for a good laugh, a glass of wine, a fun trip, or just to be there for her loved ones. She was also a devoted wife and mother.
Now, Beverly can dance whenever she wants, in any direction she chooses, and listen to the music of all the Broadway musicals she loved and attended.
She’s truly one-of-a-kind, the ONE singular sensation.