Beverly Carter Hansen, of Dover, formerly of Downs Chapel (Clayton), DE, passed away on Tuesday March 3, 2026. She was 88.

Beverly lived her entire life in Kent County. She grew up at Downes Chapel - one of five children of Mildred and Earle Carter. She attended Smyrna School District Schools where she was a student athlete and cheerleader.  Following graduation, she left the Smyrna area only to obtain her RN degree from Milford Memorial Hospital. During a Valentine's Day dance, Bev met Randy, who was an airman at Dover Air Force Base. Within the next two years they dated, married and welcomed both of their sons. Beverly was hired as a nurse at the Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill in 1961 and completed her career 30 years later as the day supervisor- retiring in 1991.

Retirement opened up new possibilities for Bev and Randy. Bev loved to travel and together they saw the world by air and sea. At home Bev loved hosting large gatherings of friends and family.  She assumed the role of family historian from her mother.  She kept a daily diary for nearly 50 years and could recall notable dates and important details without hesitation. Gardening and tennis rounded out her leisure time schedule.

Downs Chapel United Methodist Church was Beverly's religious home.  She was a lifelong member of the congregation and the ladies aide.

She is survived by her husband, Randall Hansen of Dover; a son, Greg Hansen (Brenda), of Millsboro, DE; a daughter-in-law, Deb Hansen, of Lewes, DE; her grandchildren, Heather Hansen (Dan) of Wilmington, DE, Beth Hansen (Andy) of Washington DC, Kirsten Hansen of Middletown, DE, Kaitlyn Miller (Shane) of Felton, DE, Dana Hansen of Middletown, DE, Katrina Hansen (Yamil) of Landenberg, PA, Chelsea Fabian of St Louis, MO, and Erik Hansen of Middletown, DE, great-grandchildren, Leah Citron of Wilmington, DE; Yamil Diego Emedan Hansen of Landenberg, PA; and Liana Emedan Hansen of Landenberg, PA; a brother, William Carter (Jane) of Downs Chapel, DE; and many extended family members throughout Delaware, and in Washington, Maryland, Massachusetts and Kansas.

She was predeceased by her son, R. Peder Hansen; and her siblings, Patricia Mears (Groome) formerly of Middletown, DE; H. Palmer Carter (Esther) formerly of Harrisburg, PA; and Connie McKenzie (Stuart) formerly of Gresham, OR.

Funeral services will be held 2:30 PM Tuesday March 10 at Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home, 123 W. Commerce St., Smyrna, with a visitation beginning at 1:00 PM. A reception will follow at 3:30 pm at Citizens Hose Company, Smyrna, DE. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations to honor Beverly be made to Downs Chapel Church, C/O Sharon Lockwood, 1200 Everett Rd., Marydel, MD 21649.

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Arrangements are by Matthews Bryson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Smyrna, DE.