Beverly Butler Beck, lifelong educator
Beverly Butler Beck, 77, passed away peacefully Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at her home at The Lodge at Historic Lewes in Lewes.
Born Feb. 15, 1948, at Wilmington General Hospital in Wilmington, Beverly was the daughter of the late Betty Dukes Butler and Paul Butler. She was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Clark E. Beck; her cherished daughter, Elizabeth Beck; and her dear aunt, Audrey Dukes Frances.
Beverly grew up in Townsend, where she began her education at Townsend Elementary School. She graduated from Middletown High School in 1965 before earning her degrees from the University of Delaware. She later obtained a master of education degree from Wilmington University, graduating with highest honors.
A lifelong educator, Beverly dedicated over 30 years to the Smyrna School District, where she was known for her creativity, compassion, and commitment to her students. In 2000, she was named Smyrna School District’s Teacher of the Year. She continued to inspire as the math and science coordinator at Providence Creek Academy and later as an adjunct professor in the Education Department at Wilmington University. The thought and care she gave every student were a testament to her desire to help people be the best they could be.
After decades in Middletown, Beverly moved with her husband, Clark; daughter, Elizabeth; and their beloved springer spaniel, Sniffy, to her dream home—a historic house situated right on the docks of the Lewes canal. The charm, history, and beauty of Lewes quickly became a place where she created countless treasured memories surrounded by the water, her family, and the traditions she loved so deeply.
Beverly had a deep love for springer spaniels and found immense joy in decorating for Christmas. Her homes were transformed into magical holiday wonderlands, complete with multiple cherished trees and intricately arranged displays. She was a collector of antiques and miniatures, a talented homemaker, and a gracious hostess. Her signature dishes, lemon chicken and chicken and slippery dumplings, were the cornerstone of countless gatherings, including her legendary Fourth of July “Big Bash” on Pilottown Road. Every holiday, every detail, every meal bore her personal touch.
Beverly was truly one of a kind—a woman with a heart as big as her spirit. Her generosity, warmth, and fierce love for others left a mark that time will not erase. There will never be another like her. Her memory will live on in the lives of those she touched and will continue to shape the way we carry ourselves and care for others.
She is survived by extended family, her devoted caregivers, dear friends, and a group of her daughter’s best friends, whom Beverly lovingly referred to as “my girls.”
A memorial graveside service will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, June 26, at St. Peter’s Cemetery, Pilottown Road, Lewes.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Beverly’s name to Delaware Hospice, 630 Churchmans Road, Ste. 200, Newark, DE 19702.
