Betty Jane Cleaver, loved by many
Betty Jane Cleaver, 82, of Lewes, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. She was born in Lewes March 5, 1942, to the late Ernest and Charlotte (Smith) Rice.
Betty was born and raised on Lewes Beach and was a proud graduate of Lewes High School Class of 1960. She spent many years working at Rickards and Ramsey on Lewes Beach and The Beach Deli, where she became a beloved community member.
In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Ben Atwood Cleaver, in 2014; two sons, Scott and Trey Cleaver; and two brothers, Victor Gordan Rice and Ernest Melvin Rice.
She is survived by her son, Robert Allen Cleaver; daughters, Karen (George) Hunsicker and Kathryn (Troy) Virden; her sister, Elizabeth "Libby" Ann Hamilton (Harold); her sisters-in-law, Elizabeth "Beth” Cleaver and Jean Rice; grandchildren, Sarah, Jake and Josh Hunsicker, Travis Shalaby, and Jordyn and Tanner Virden; and great-grandchildren, Michaela and Ryelynn Shalaby.
Betty will be deeply missed by her family and friends, whose lives she touched with kindness, warmth, and love. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.
Funeral services will be private and held at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Brandywine SPCA, 22918 DuPont Blvd., Georgetown, DE 19947; or Lewes Fire Department, P.O. Box 225, Lewes, DE 19958.
Visit Mrs. Cleaver's Life Memorial webpage at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
