Beverly Mae Shockley of Laurel passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, March 30, 2024, with her beloved children by her side. She was born Nov. 19, 1945 in Salisbury, a daughter of the late Russell S. Oliphant and Mae Dickerson Oliphant.

Beverly graduated from Delmar High School with the class of 1965 alongside her sister Lorraine. In the years after graduation, she enjoyed working at Charlie’s Print Shop in Salisbury. When her children were born, Beverly was fortunate enough to stay home and focus on raising them. Beverly already had plenty of practice doing this, as she had grown up proudly being her mother’s helper. She spent countless hours in the kitchen with her mother learning all of her recipes and secrets. Ask anyone and they will tell you that family dinners throughout the years hold some of their fondest memories. Family was the most important thing to Beverly and after her mother was no longer able, she proudly took over the role providing delicious old-fashioned cooking for everyone to gather and enjoy.

Beverly was adored by everyone that met her. She was without a doubt the kindest soul that you could have the privilege of knowing. She was a natural caregiver, making it look effortless. She cared for her mother and father in their later years, babysat countless children within the neighborhood, church, or family, and would enthusiastically pet sit. (Dogs were her favorite!) She had a calming energy surrounding her that put everyone at peace. She was lovingly referred to as “Aunt Bev” by many.

She is survived by a son, Clifford H. Shockley; a daughter, Belinda M. Shockley; sisters, Lorraine Bozman and Colleen Herman (Edward); her sisters-in-law, Catherine Sutton and Mary Ann Tracey (John); her niece, Joanna Buonopane-Ramsey and her children Amoré, Ariana and Andrew; and her nephew Jared Adkins (Audrey) and their children Calvin, Jacob, and Clayton along with many other nieces, nephews, and family.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Howard Shockley, who passed way too soon in 1989. Also preceding her was her sister-in-law Mae Shockley, who was responsible for Beverly meeting her husband, and her brother-in-law Al Bozman, whose boisterous personality always livened up her cherished family dinners.

A visitation for family and friends was held on Thursday, April 4 at Short Funeral Home in Delmar. Funeral services were held on Friday, April 5 at All Saints Episcopal Church in Delmar. Interment followed at St. Stephen’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Beverly’s memory to Blue Ridge Bull Terrier Rescue, PO Box 32, Delmar, DE 19940 or online via PayPal at www.brbtc.org/donate.

Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home in Delmar. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com.