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Elizabeth Lee Beaver

1928 - 2026

Elizabeth Lee Beaver obituary, 1928-2026, Charlotte, NC

BORN

1928

DIED

2026

FUNERAL HOME

Hankins & Whittington Funeral Home

1111 East Boulevard

Charlotte, North Carolina

Elizabeth Beaver Obituary

Elizabeth Lee Beaver

July 20, 1928 - January 17, 2026

Charlotte, North Carolina - Elizabeth Lee Beaver, 97 of Charlotte, NC passed away peacefully to her Heavenly home to see her Lord and Savior on January 17, 2026. Her life was marked by her faith in Christ, her love for family and service towards others. Elizabeth was born in Jacksonville, Florida to the late Richard Charles and Octavia Dunn on July 20, 1928. She married her high school sweetheart and West Point graduate, the late Burke W. Lee Jr. (1950-1982). Elizabeth served alongside him as a devoted Army wife and mother of four, moving 17 times throughout the U.S. and Europe. With this many moves, it allowed them to make lifelong friends from all over the world. Along with raising four children, Elizabeth and Burke enjoyed entertaining friends and family, playing tennis and spending time at Kiawah Island, SC. Retiring from Army life brought them to Charlotte, NC where they joined and served at Providence United Methodist Church in 1980.

During Elizabeth's lifetime, she faithfully volunteered as a children's Sunday School teacher. At Providence United Methodist Church she was president of her Christian Home Sunday School class in 1989, volunteered many hours as a church receptionist, was awarded the Life Member Award and devoted her time as founder and servant in Stephen Ministry. Along with her service at church, she was a dedicated member of the PEO Chapter E and her book club.

After Burke's passing, Elizabeth remained a widow for 20 years and thereafter met Edgar Beaver. They married in 2003 and Elizabeth lived at the Cypress of Charlotte Retirement Community. She and Ed had a happy and fulfilling 7 years together until his passing in 2010. Elizabeth continued as a Cypress resident, blessing many with her sweet and loving spirit until her death.

Surviving are her four children, Patti Lee Richardson (husband, Russell, deceased), Burke W. Lee, Ill (wife, Stel), Peggy Lee Maye (husband Steve) and Nancy Lee Chapin (husband, Robb) along with her ten grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren. Most of her adoring family called her "Memama".

Elizabeth is preceded in death by her two younger brothers, Richard Dunn (wife, Charlotte) of Charlotte, NC and Thomas H. Dunn of Jacksonville, FL.

In recent years, she has been cared for with extraordinary devotion by compassionate caregivers who loved her well. Even during this time, though bedridden and challenged in her speech, Elizabeth's sweetness and love were always evident through her infectious smiles and joyful expressions. Elizabeth's strong faith in Jesus Christ was her foundation. She trusted in her Heavenly Father through every season of her life. Memorial gifts may be made to Samaritan's Purse in lieu of flowers. Samaritanspurse.org.

A memorial service will be held 11am, Saturday, February 7, 2026 at Providence United Methodist Church, 2810 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 2821.

Arrangements are under the direction of Hankins and Whittington Funeral Service, 1111 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Charlotte Observer from Jan. 22 to Jan. 25, 2026.

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Memorial Events
for Elizabeth Beaver

Feb

7

Memorial service

11:00 a.m.

Providence United Methodist Church

2810 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC

Funeral services provided by:

Hankins & Whittington Funeral Home

1111 East Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28203

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