Beverly Go Wasson

Beverly Go Wasson was born on March 25, 1954, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, named after the American actress Beverly Garland. Her father, Simon Go, made Sunnyside Groceries a community staple, running it alongside Beverly’s mother and siblings. After immigrating to Pine Bluff, Simon brought more than just a store to town—he created a hub of resources for the community. Despite never finishing high school, he managed an impressive operation that included hardware selection, a wide selection of food and groceries, a small photography business, and even TV and radio repair services.

Beverly Go Wasson spent her childhood going to school and church while also working side by side with her siblings. Her teenage years saw plenty of sibling disputes, especially over the store phone. During this time, Simon Go became head of the Arkansas Chinese Association, leading efforts to unite Chinese families statewide. Although Beverly describes her family as often isolated, her father was a vital leader in the Chinese community in Arkansas, hosting annual events that brought Chinese families together from across the state, strengthening their shared ties.

Beverly went on to study at the University of Central Arkansas, aiming to become a teacher. Later, she raised a biracial family with three children, encouraging them to respect the dating preferences of Chinese tradition. Beverly Go’s family was a quiet but active force in Pine Bluff, continually working to meet the needs of its citizens and strengthening the Chinese community within Arkansas.

Story by Taylor Brewer

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