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Betty Challis Obituary
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
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6 Entries
September 25, 2009
Bea and I met on my first job in 1980 and so began an adventure comparable to Thelma and Louise. We laughed and cried through the next 17 years. She was my best friend, mentor and at times saviour. It's been a year and I still can't find the words to express my loss. She picked me when I fell and encouraged me to pick up my fellow man. We shopped at thrift stores and took the clothes to our job at the nursing home where the residents had no family. We fed strays when we barely had enogh to eat ourselves. She and her family taught me humility and patience and I still practice extending a helping hand
Andrea Rogers
October 21, 2008
I met Bea 5 years ago. She lived a short distance accross the parking lot from my boyfriend and I, at Hermitage Apartments. We became close friends, having the same interests. I hadn't had a true friend in many many years, and occassionally, we would leave each other little Dollar Tree gifts and notes of inspiration--at each other's front door. But Bea's guenuine humility and faith in our Lord greatly over-shadowed what I strive for. She constantly "gave" from her heart without wanting any thing in return. She carefully guarded herself from those not worthy of her, but hardly never spoke a negative word about any one. She felt much respect and passion for her parents--her father's illness, and of both of her mother and father's burdens. She didn't see her own beauty, at all--inner and outer. And her last sentences to someone at the end of a conversation were filled with optimism and hope, of compassion for the recipient, or for others. She played the piano beautifully, and loved her cats, Franke and Boo, completely. She was my Angel Friend, and she will live within me, forever. Even when I begin to get teary-eyed, I can hear her telling me I'd better chear up! After she moved, I happened to move down the road from her, 3 months ago, and I finally saw her new home! She love it, and her environment inspired me, as usual. She was always so careful to think of other people's feelings before her own, yet stay optimistic about every thing. I wish I could have met her parents, siblings, family. I could not leave from work the day her life was celebrated at Lewis Ginter. Her family members and friends can feel free to contact me if they want to talk about Bea. I would also like to know where she is at rest. I will see her again one day! Fondly, Andrea Rogers
Ken Parady
October 1, 2008
I am very glad to have known Bea during the last few years...She was always happy and wouldn't let anyone get by with a frown. I am the last person that got to take Bea "out". She was so happy and cheery about shopping at Wal-Mart??? It was a little unnerveing seeing Bea walk around the store holding on to the cart.....and going around the store again, and again, as if she kept shopping buying "stuff" that her " day out" wouldn't need to end. Finaly Bea ran out of stream and I talked her into sitting down while I went though the checkout line. As we were pulling out of the parking lot Bea turned to me and said " Is there another Wal-mart we could go to??? I haven't finished shopping yet." It almost broke my heart to tell her no, but I was afraid for her welfare, to keep her out any longer. Bea went down hill after that last shopping trip, and I do not know if she even ate anything she bought that day but she enjoyed every moment of her live. Whether it was meeting people at her job or shopping untill she was ready to drop, Bea made the most of everything she did.
Renee Walker
September 30, 2008
My husband (Ricky) and children (Wendy, Tracie and Michael) have all enjoyed the privilege of knowing Bea. About 3 months ago I ran across an old home movie (about 10-15 years old) that included Bea laughing, smiling and having lots of fun, which is how I will always remember her. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
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Rose Scott-Fituwi
September 30, 2008
My husband Teclai and I were deeply saddened to learn of Bea's passing. We had spent many a pleasant occasion with her and my daughter Robin during the 1980's. She was such a lovely person and a good conversationalist.
May Bea's everlasting soul find peaceful repose in the arms of our Lord.
Eric Futterman
September 28, 2008
My daughter and I frequently encountered Bea at the Botanical Garden Cafe. My daughter is 4 and Bea's beautiful energy put a huge smile on my daughter's face.
I always walked away with my tray of food thinking, "there are still people in the world who believe in being unconditionally kind."
Both my daughter and I were saddened to learn of Bea's passing. It's remarkable that she never mentioned that she was ill. She instead focused on making our experience as enjoyable as possible.
We will always remember her kind face and powerful energy.
My guess is we were but a few of thousands of people who were better off becasue we knew Bea.
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