Jill Parker Beer

Jill Beer passed away on September 24, 2026, at the age of 86, surrounded by friends and family.

Born in Wallington, England in 1940, Jill was deeply loved in both the UK and the US. She grew up in England and maintained close ties with friends and family there that lasted her entire life.

Jill met her future husband, Barry Beer, when he was studying in England. They married in London in 1965, and then she traveled halfway across the world to start a new life with Barry. After a short stay in Albuquerque, New Mexico, they moved to Kent, Ohio in 1968, where they remained for the rest of their lives.

Jill always saw the best in everyone and spent her life uplifting those near her. She was a teacher in every sense of the word. She graduated from Maria Grey Teacher’s College in London and taught elementary school in both England and the United States. She earned a master’s degree at Kent State University, taught math at KSU, and co-wrote a widely used math textbook for college students. She was an expert gardener, knitter, and basket weaver and loved to share her talents with others.

Jill gave her time generously to many local groups including the Coleman Center and the KSU Orchestra Society. She cherished the friendships she made in the P.E.O., the Coterie, the Garden Club, and the Methodist Church.

Jill is survived by her two children, Peter (Ilikai) Beer and Caroline Beer (Mike Ballard); four grandchildren, Donovan and Jamieson Beer and Parker and Eliza Ballard; her brother, Ian and his wife Jenny, and her niece, Sarah and nephew Richard. Jill’s fierce and unconditional love for her children and grandchildren cannot be underestimated. She was the best mom and nana one could ever ask for.

A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, October 10 at 2:00 pm at the United Methodist Church, 1435 East Main Street, Kent. Friends are encouraged to join the family after the service for coffee and treats, organized by Jill’s beloved P.E.O. sisters.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jill’s memory can be made to the United Methodist Church of Kent or the P.E.O. Foundation.

Services in care of Bissler & Sons Funeral Home and Crematory, 628 West Main Street, Kent, OH 44240.