Nancy Bridgforth

BRIDGFORTH, Nancy Dickinson, succumbed to old age at Southminister in Charlotte, N.C., at the age of 83. Nancy was born on August 13, 1927 in Cape Charles, Virginia. She was the daughter of the late William Andrew Dickinson and Naomi Dunton Dickinson. She attended Longwood College in Virginia and on June 12, 1948, she married Richard B. Bridgforth, Jr. "Budick" of Kenbridge, Virginia. The leaf tobacco industry took them from Kenbridge to Richmond, Va. in 1950, and later to Rocky Mount, N.C. The couple settled in Danville, Va. in 1961. Nancy was an active partner in her husband's international business career at Dibrell Brothers, Inc. She was also a member of First Presbyterian Church, the Danville Museum, Gabriella Garden Club, and The Wednesday Club. Nancy was an avid gardener, golfer and loved to entertain. Nancy is survived by her four sons, Richard B. Bridgforth III, Andrew D. Bridgforth, Robert M. Bridgforth, John C. Bridgforth; one daughter, Nancy B. Williams; three daughters-in-law, a son-in-law, nine grandchildren; two brothers, Dr. William A. Dickinson and John J. "Amos" Dickinson; two sisters, Jane Dickinson and Barbara "Bobbie" Dickinson; and three sisters-in-law. Nancy was preceded in death by her husband, Budick on August 17, 1999. Nancy led family and friends over hill and dale of life, always fun and exciting but also with a purpose, particularly with her own family. There was so much love and respect, even when some fell short. She had a clean vision of what her role was as a wife and a mother and never seemed to get off track. Positioned in life to pursue a variety of roles in the community and society as she wished, she chose carefully and avoided superficial activities that would detract from her primary role. Loyalty was one of her greatest strengths; loyalty to her family, friends and domestic help. Nancy will be remembered especially for her energy, as well as adding a genuine touch of sincerity, cheer and thoughtfulness to the lives of those whom she met along her way. Funeral services for Nancy D. Bridgforth will be held in Kenbridge on Saturday, January 29, 2011, at 11 a.m. in the Kenbridge United Methodist Church, 201 East 5th Avenue, followed by a burial at Kenbridge Heights Cemetery. The Rev. Tim Beck will officiate. Friends of the family may also extend their condolences on Friday, January 28, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Danville Golf Club in Danville. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions go to Cape Charles Historical Society, P.O. Box 11, Cape Charles, Va. 23310 or to the Danville Life Saving Crew, 202 Christopher Lane, Danville, Va. 24541. The family extends their gratitude to the staff at Southminister and to Hospice of Charlotte for their expert and gentle care. "To thine own self, be true." Clarke Funeral Home, Kenbridge (434-676-8281) in charge of services. On line condolences may be sent to www.clarkefuneralhome.com


This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.