Beverly Sanders Urbanek

Beverly Sanders Urbanek, 83, of Oxford, Mississippi, passed away at Baptist Memorial Hospital on Saturday, April 4. A devoted mother, respected researcher, and proud Ole Miss alumna, Beverly leaves behind a legacy rooted in faith, scholarship, and enduring strength.

Born in Carthage, Mississippi, on April 15, 1942, Beverly was the only child of Leo and Wallace Day Sanders. Raised in a close-knit, fifth-generation Mississippi family, her formative years were filled with music, books, and summer adventures—interests that would shape both her intellect and warmth.

Beverly graduated from the University of Mississippi with a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and later earned a master’s degree in library and information science. In 1980, she began her career at the University of Mississippi’s Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, where she became a pivotal figure in compiling and curating comprehensive scientific bibliographies on marijuana and cocaine research. Her meticulous work reviewing and annotating thousands of global scientific studies served as a vital resource for researchers, law enforcement, policymakers and White House officials. She retired in 2002, leaving behind a legacy of academic excellence and public service.

Beverly was preceded in death by her parents and two husbands, who were both taken by cancer: Eddie Upton, her first husband, with whom she had two sons; and Jim Urbanek, Sr., with whom she had a third son. All of her sons were raised together in Oxford.

An active member of First Baptist Church in Oxford, Beverly was deeply devoted to her faith, her family, and her community. Known for her gentle wit, impeccable manners, and a wisdom shaped by generations of strong Mississippi women, she believed in listening fully, giving generously, and walking humbly with God. She took great pleasure in gardening and working in her yard.

She is survived by her sons; Mike Upton (Sharon) of Oxford, Tim Upton (Michele) of Dallas, and Jim Urbanek II (Amanda) of Oxford, a step daughter, Karrie Urbanek Bopp of St. Louis; seven grandchildren; Hayley Upton Smith (Nathan), Kennedy Upton, Morgan Upton, Grayson Upton, Kaitlyn Urbanek, Evan Urbanek and Celia Day Urbanek, four step grandchildren; Holly Grissinger Tubbs (Colton), Meg Grissinger Linder (Andy), Faith Bopp, and Kyle Bopp; a great granddaughter, Sidney Kate Smith, and many extended family and friends who will remember her for her intelligence, integrity, and the quiet grace with which she lived.

Visitation will be held from 1-2 p.m. on Friday, April 10, in the atrium of First Baptist Church of Oxford followed by service in the church sanctuary at 2 p.m.

Expressions of sympathy or memorial contributions in Beverly’s memory may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice or to First Baptist Church of Oxford, 800 Van Buren Avenue, Oxford, Mississippi 38655, or online at https://giving.ncsservices.org/App/Giving/gotofirst