Beverley Stevens

1925 - 2026

Beverley Lee Stevens, age 100, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 16, 2026.

She was born on Friday, March 13, 1925, in Macon County, Georgia. Beverley graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1946. After marrying, she moved to Kinston, North Carolina, where she made her home and lovingly raised her children.

Beverley is survived by her son, Carl Christian Wooten Jr. (Robert Hartnett) of Atlanta, GA, and her daughter, Claudia Wooten Harper (Michael) of New Bern, NC. She was a proud grandmother to four grandchildren: Kathleen Wooten Dunnigan (Ashley Moser) of New Bern, NC; Robert Christian Wooten (Liz) of Mount Pleasant, SC; Sarah Dunnigan Demchak (Adam) of Beaufort, NC; and Elizabeth Wooten DeFago (Chris) of Atlanta, GA. She was also blessed with three great-grandchildren: Ellis Montalou Demchak, Henry William DeFago, and June Elizabeth DeFago.

She cherished her extended family and loved as her own her niece, Lee Booth Hoffman (Philip) of Charleston, SC, and their son, Brian Miles Hoffman of Charleston, SC; her nephew, Shepherd Allen Booth (Jackie) of Sapphire, NC, and their daughter, Elizabeth Booth Ortiz (Richard) of Manchester, England; and her nephew, Mark Roper Lee (Betty) of Lincolnton, NC. She also held a special place in her heart for Elizabeth Pate McClintic, Katharine Pate Krueger, and their children.

Beverley had a lifelong love of the water. In her early years, she waterskied with the Trent Pines Club in New Bern and later spent many happy seasons at her home in Atlantic Beach, embracing all things about North Carolina's Crystal Coast. She was known for her warmth and hospitality, her love of cooking and entertaining, and her deep passion for her yard and gardens-she truly could grow anything. Beverley delighted in watching birds and could identify every visitor to her feeders. A natural leader and businesswoman ahead of her time, she also served the University of North Carolina on several boards over many years.

An avid bridge player and golfer, Beverley also enjoyed many years of water aerobics at the Coral Bay Club in Atlantic Beach and later at Porter's Neck Village in Wilmington, which was her home for the last ten years of her life. She lived life fully, surrounding herself with friends and laughter, and was admired and loved by residents and staff alike.

Those who knew Beverley often described her as a "pistol," a "firecracker," a "legend," and a "hot ticket." She will be remembered for her vibrant spirit, her love of family and friends, and the joy she brought to every gathering.

A celebration of Beverley's life will be announced by the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to your favorite charity or acts of kindness to others in her memory.