Singer Joy Beverley, one of the three members of 1950s group The Beverley Sisters, has died.

A family friend confirmed Beverley, 91, died on Monday after she reportedly suffered a stroke last week.

Her son, Vince, 67, told the Express & Star newspaper: “We all thought the world of her and we are devastated she is gone. We are a very close-knit family.

Former England and Wolverhampton football captain Billy Wright with Joy Beverley following their wedding at Poole Register Office. (PA/PA Wire)
Former England and Wolverhampton football captain Billy Wright with Joy following their wedding at Poole Register Office (PA)

“She was a very bubbly, but private, character.

“We are all going to miss her terribly, she has been a part of our lives for so long now it really is going to be a big loss for all of us.”

Described as the Posh and Becks of the day, she was married to footballer and star of Wolverhampton Wanderers, Billy Wright.

Wright died of pancreatic cancer in 1994.

During his illustrious career, he became the world’s first footballer to notch up a hundred caps, and he led England as captain on an impressive 90 occasions.

Of the Beverley Sisters trio – which included Teddie and Babs – Joy was the eldest. Her sisters were twins, born in 1927.

Born in Bethnal Green, the girls seemed destined to have a career in music. Their parents were George and Victoria Beverley, who performed as a music-hall duo.

Joy Beverley (R), of the Beverley Sisters, with daughters Babbett (L) and Vicky at an Evening of Soccer Legends dinner to celebrate the Football League's Centenary at the London Hilton. (Tony Harris/PA Archive/PA Images)
Joy with daughters Babbett Vicky at an Evening of Soccer Legends dinner to celebrate the Football League’s Centenary at the London Hilton. (Tony Harris/PA)

During the Second World War, the sisters landed a campaign for Ovaltine to star as “Bonnie Babies” in their adverts.

Their status as celebrities blossomed and they went on to land their own TV show, Three Little Girls In View, which later was re-named as Those Beverley Sisters.

Columbia Records signed them in 1951, and their contract led to them becoming the highest paid female act of their time.

Their hits included I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus, Bye Bye Love and Always and Forever.

The Beverley sisters (left-right) Babs, Joy and Teddie at the Savoy Bowl in Blackpool in 1963.
Babs, Joy and Teddie at the Savoy Bowl in Blackpool in 1963.

Joy married Billy in 1958 at Poole Registry Office, and the pair stayed married until his death.

Apart from their record-breaking earnings, the sisters went on to enjoy a successful career filled with highlights.

They appeared in the 2002 Guinness Book of Records, performed for The Queen and were later made MBEs for services to music.

Joy is survived by her twin sisters and her three children – Vince, Vicky and Babette.