Search by Name

Search by Name

Beverly Thompson Craven

1933 - 2019

Beverly Thompson Craven obituary, 1933-2019, Charleston, SC

BORN

1933

DIED

2019

FUNERAL HOME

James A. McAlister Cremation

1620 Savannah Highway

Charleston, South Carolina

Beverly Craven Obituary

Beverly Thompson Craven Charleston - Beverly Thompson Craven, 86, of Charleston, South Carolina, entered peacefully into eternal life on October 27, 2019, surrounded by her family and close friends. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM Wednesday, October 30, 2019, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 5 St. Teresa Drive, Charleston. The Rite of Committal will follow at St. Lawrence Cemetery. Mrs. Craven will Lie in Repose between 5:30 PM and 8:30 PM Tuesday at the Lonnie Hamilton Public Services Building, 4045 Bridgeview Drive, N. Charleston, where the family will receive friends. Online Condolences may be offered at www.CharlestonFunerals.com. Beverly was born in Charleston on April 22, 1933, the daughter of Raymond Charles Thompson and Thelma Laurey Thompson. Her three older brothers, Raymond Charles Thompson, Jr., Joseph Francis Thompson and Robert Earl Thompson all predeceased her. Beverly loved growing up in downtown Charleston. She attended St. Patrick's Catholic School, graduated from Bishop England High and attended Rice Business College. On May 1, 1954, she married the love of her life, James Craven, also of Charleston. They worked hand in hand in the study of law and after her husband passed the bar exam, they continued to work closely together in his law practice for years. She loved government, the law and service to others. Beverly was active serving on boards and commissions and in numerous volunteer service organizations in the local community, as well as the state and nationwide. Although she loved her work, family was always her passion and priority. She and her husband raised three daughters: Gayle Craven Hardee (Mike), Theresa (Terri) Ann Craven and Kathryn Craven Goeldi (John). As the family grew, she gave so much time and love to each of her 5 grandchildren; Kenneth Doyle Shuler, Jr. (Niki), Kristy Craven Holdgate (Nick), James Craven Shuler, Hannah Elizabeth Goeldi and Matthew Hunter Goeldi and made it a point to spend special one-on-one time creating wonderful memories that will live on in each of them. After the heartbreaking death of her husband in 1987, she was appointed Clerk of Council for Charleston County and enjoyed an extremely successful 30 years in that position. "Miss Beverly", as many people liked to call her, was recognized for her outstanding work and community service with countless awards and resolutions including the naming of the Council Chambers in her honor, the prestigious Order of the Silver Crescent and a Proclamation naming November 9th as "Beverly Craven Day" in Charleston County. She loved attending events around town and could usually be spotted in one of her trademark hats or furs. Beverly enjoyed spending time and travelling with her many close friends, but little compared with spending time with her family which had grown to include 3 great-grandchildren; Abigail Elizabeth Holdgate, Camden Arthur Shuler and William Emory Holdgate. "Mi Mi", as she was called, was adored by her great-grands. There were so many people she considered "family": special "other daughters", childhood and longtime friends and all of "her babies" over the years. She loved them all and she was so loved by so many people. It was not at all unusual for her daughters to meet someone new that would immediately say "I love your mother". "Miss Beverly, Mama, Grandmama and Mi Mi will be remembered for her many accomplishments and unmatched kindness, but to those that knew her well, that smile and the twinkle in her eye are what will last an eternity in their hearts. Arrangements by James A. McAlister Funeral Home (843)766-1365. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston

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

Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Oct. 28 to Oct. 29, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Beverly Craven

Not sure what to say?





Doris and I.S. Leevy Johnson

March 27, 2020

I served with Beverly on the South Carolina Commission on Women for 8 years. We were friends for more than 45 years. She was an earth angel, and I know that she is the same in heaven.

Nancy morrow

November 3, 2019

dear Gayle, Terrie and Kathy, I want you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I was saddened to hear of you Moms passing. Your Moms beautiful smile will be how I remember her. I always enjoyed seeing her at the wildlife activities. Sending caring thoughts, Nancy Morrow

Randy Pierce

October 31, 2019

What an honor to have known and worked with Mrs. Craven. I shall never forget her smiling eyes and gentle voice when she would ask for help on any situation. Surely the Angels will lead her into Heaven.

Jan Shannon

October 31, 2019

It is with a heavy heart we learned of Aunt Beverly's
passing. She was such a beautiful lady, with a very kind soul. Many fond memories of our visits to Charleston will live forever in our hearts. She always made us feel so very special and welcomed.
I just know she's dancing among the angels with Uncle Buck.
Love to all,
Cousin Jan & Mike Shannon
Port Hadlock, WA

Pat Youngerman

October 31, 2019

Will miss Aunt Bev. Know what you are gong through.

Nancy Robertson

October 31, 2019

Terri, I never met your sweet mother, but the love and respect that you had for her was evident every time you spoke of her which was often. I know you and your sisters are heartbroken over her passing. I pray that knowing she is reunited with your daddy now in Heaven will bring you all comfort and peace. Hugs and prayers from Nancy Robertson

Roy DeHaven

October 30, 2019

I enjoyed my many hours with Mrs Craven as she served as the right hand to so many County Council Chairmen. Prayers for her family and many friends. She helped Charleston County better serve its people.

Theresa Lubbers

October 30, 2019

Beverly was such a special lady. I loved seeing her walk into church and so enjoyed talking to my neighbor when I walked by her house. Have missed her this past year. Felt blessed that she called me a month or so ago and we were able to catch up. Our conversations were always very special to me.

Katharine Carreaux

October 29, 2019

Your mother changed my life by giving me a chance when almost all hope was gone. I learned a tremendous amount from her and we worked together during some of the County's most dynamic and tumultuous times. We lost touch after I moved back to London but the impact she made on my life has never been forgotten. And neither will she.

Lisa LeaMond Brantley

October 29, 2019

Our thoughts and prayers are with your lovely family. Your mother was a true southern bell. She raised three strong wonderful women and she will live on in your hearts. God Bless ❤

Larry Shirley

October 29, 2019

Our thoughts and prayers remain with the Family. May you be comforted knowing what a special person she was.

With Deep Sympathy,

Former Charleston City Councilman Larry Shirley, and wife Sam

DANIEL PENNICK

October 29, 2019

My condolences to the family. I had the privilege of knowing Beverly when I worked in the Planning Department for 17 years. She always greeted people with a smile and a friendly acknowledgment. I remember one time I was driving back with her from a South Carolina Association of Counties meeting in Columbia and she would talk about the times she enjoyed being with her husband when they drove to State Legislature meetings being escorted by the State Highway Patrol. She adored her family and they were always number one in her heart.

Aaron Hyman

October 29, 2019

Gail I was sorry to hear about your loss may you be comforted with the mourners of Zion
Aaron Hyman

Sharon Cassidy

October 29, 2019

A well lived life! Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family! A truly remarkable woman!

Joanie Clute

October 29, 2019

A true Southern Lady. Kind, soft spoken, made you feel as if you were the most important person in her life when she saw you, and always looked her very best. I am so sorry for your loss.

Benita, Tammy and Anna Johnson

October 29, 2019

Our thoughts and prayers to Ms Beverly's family. She was a spiritual, kind, and loving person. She will be missed by her family, friends, and her church family.

Rachel Villeponteaux

October 29, 2019

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. Beverly was a wonderful lady,always had a smile and warm greeting when she saw anyone.

Warm Embrace Arrangement

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Sandra Mcgrew

October 29, 2019

What a beautiful life she lived! To know her was indeed to love her. That beautiful smile and twinkle in her eye will be in our hearts forever!

Pastel Peace Basket

COLLEEN CONDON

Sent Flowers

Madeleine McGee

October 29, 2019

Beverly helped me navigate county government during my days working there and she always did so with a smile. I will always be grateful. Madeleine McGee

Marleen Alexander

October 28, 2019

I will always cherish the memories of the fun times we shared in the Bunco club for 13 years as well as other activities during the years. She was a true southern lady and so so sweet.

Azalia LaTorre

October 28, 2019

Beverly was the kindest,sweetest person and always had a smile for everyone she came in contact with. my condolences and prayers to all of the family .

Caroline Salisbury

October 28, 2019

There are no words to express what this gentlewoman meant to my family and me. She was dearly loved and will be dearly missed.

Julianne Holzel

October 28, 2019

Beverly Craven was one of the first people I met when we moved to Charleston so many years ago. How lucky I was to live right down the street from a woman I came to love so much. She introduced me to so many things in Charleston and got me involved in many organizations which changed my life and helped me to adjust to a new city. Our children were similar in ages and such a wonderful family to know. We stayed close for many years - she loved movies and eating out. She was my plus one at many Charleston County Bar events over the years, especially the Annual Meeting and the Christmas Party. She was such a beautiful person and loved by everyone. She is going to be missed by so many people and I will never forget having her as my friend.

Showing 1 - 26 of 26 results

Make a Donation
in Beverly Craven's name

Memorial Events
for Beverly Craven

Oct

29

Reposing

5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Lonnie Hamilton Public Services Building

4045 Bridgeview Drive, N. Charleston, SC

Oct

30

Mass of Christian Burial

10:00 a.m.

Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church

5 St. Teresa Drive, Charleston, IL

Oct

30

Committal

St. Lawrence Cemetery

SC

Funeral services provided by:

James A. McAlister Cremation

1620 Savannah Highway, Charleston, SC 29407

How to support Beverly's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Beverly Craven's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more