Beryl Proctor was born on June 17, 1905. She graduated from Wheaton College in the class of 1926. In 1933 she received her M.A. from Columbia University, specializing in Dean's work and personnel administration. She was married on August 8, 1936 to William Fenstemacher in Ayer, Massachusetts. Later, in May 1987, Beryl donated her wedding gown, veil, and shoes to Wheaton College.

She was very involved in Wheaton College and the Class of 1926; she served as president of her class, secretary of her class, chairman of classes, corresponding secretary and president of the Alumnae Association, chairman of the Alumnae fund, and various other positions. She held various teaching positions throughout her professional career, specializing in English. She spent many years teaching English to Hispanic immigrants in her community.

Beryl Proctor Fenstemacher and William Fenstemacher had one child, William Proctor Fenstemacher, who was born on March 20, 1940. William Proctor married and had two children. Beryl was very close with her family and visited her son and grandchildren often.

Beryl was very active in her church and her community, particularly in Leisure Village, where she resided from 1971 to 1999. She regularly participated in Tai Chi, aerobics, nature club, camera club, and line-dancing until her last few weeks. Beryl Proctor Fenstemacher died on January 1, 1999.

The Beryl Proctor Fenstemacher '26 Endowment Fund was established in her memory to enhance the quality of faculty and student life at Wheaton.