Beverly Graham Carter Williams

     Beverly Graham Carter Williams of Dover, Delaware passed away on July 28, 2025, at Delaware Hospice, Milford after a long illness.
     Beverly was born October 6, 1946, in Columbus, Georgia to Charles Briscoe Carter and Elizabeth Humble Carter.  Beverly grew up in the South, finally moving to Delaware where she graduated from Seaford High School. She graduated from the University of Delaware majoring in History and Political Science. Many skills learned from The Debate Team would become very useful in her professional and political careers. Later she received her Master’s Degree from Washington College.
     Beverly married William Arthur Strehle and moved to Dover, DE and had sons Sean Michael Strehle in 1971 and Christopher Andrew Strehle in 1976.
     On Valentine’s Day 1982 Bev married OB Williams. It is from this marriage she acquired her famous “WOOPS” license plate which was known all throughout Dover. She and OB had a magical, fun, life of wild adventures. Beverly was a constant caretaker of OB after he suffered a stroke.
     A devoted grandmother known as “Grammy” she had two grandchildren Cody and Riley. She was extremely proud and excited to attend both of their College Graduations in person.
     She began her career at Cecil County Department of Social Services in Elkton, MD with a caseload of Foster Care children. It was there where she became known to Mrs. Louise Gilliam who worked in the same office, but who was well-known leader in the social work field particularly in Maryland and Delaware. She recognized Bev’s natural talent and became her mentor and dear friend. In Dover, her enthusiasm and energy went into the plight of teenage kids and resulting in years of Aid in Dover and the 801 House, and service on more Social Services Agencies Boards than can be listed. She could be fierce to deal with, but her actions came from a heart dedicated to kids in need of a person to speak for their unheard needs. Bev certainly filled that role. With Gusto!
     Any of Bev’s friends could tell you an outrageous tale about her. But her professional life was a different world to her. She had a natural insight that was a perfect complement to her for years of social work and individual counseling. When she was challenged by a project or personality, she was No Joke.
     Bev enter politics in Dover, being elected to City Council in 2002 ending 14 years later. First as Council Member then becoming City Council President. In Dover’s long history, Bev was the first and to this day only female Mayor. She was also the first woman to be asked to join the Dover Rotary Club. She served on the Boards of Academy of Dover, Modern Maturity, and AAUW as treasurer.
     Along the way she mastered many skills and could fix just about anything. She enjoyed arts and crafts, especially making things with her computer. She became very good at making jewelry. She was a history and movie buff and wicked smart.
     Bev was a fierce competitor in all her activities. A consummate bridge player, she quickly bid the highest possible. All of the other players not nearly as skilled would seek advice from her on how to bid aggressively. Until her passing she played Mahjong, Canasta, and Poker on a daily basis. Her two Poker groups were male dominated and she loved beating “the boys”. Her Mahjong and Canasta groups would often complain that she changed the rules, yelled the loudest, or win the argument at all costs with Love and Laughter. Along with her Yorkie Poo “Yo- Yo” these game groups held a special place in her heart and loved them!
     Beverly’s family was Early American and she was a member of the Mayflower Society and Daughters of the American Revolution. At birth she had a Daughters of the American Revolution bracelet soldered on her wrist, she wore the bracelet until passing. This bracelet, now 250 years old, was passed to her from Great Aunt Belle and now will continue in her family being passed on to her granddaughter Riley.
     Beverly is survived by her brother Charles Briscoe Carter, her sons Sean Strehle and Chris Strehle, and her grandchildren Cody G Strehle and Riley P Minner.
     Services will be held at Torbert Funeral Home, 1145 E. Lebanon Rd., Dover, DE 19901 August 16, 2025 at 2pm. A visitation will be held one hour prior.
     In lieu of flowers the family requests that you make donations to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation or American Cancer Society.
     Letters of condolence may be sent, and guestbook signed at http://www.torbertfuneral.com