WILLIAMSBURG - Elizabeth R. Beckhouse, age 71, of Williamsburg, VA, passed away peacefully on March 24, 2016. She was born on July 27, 1944 in Chicago, IL. Liz attended Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois prior to graduating from The College of William & Mary. A dedicated educator, she served as principal at several schools within the Williamsburg-James City County School system including Norge Elementary and Stonehouse Elementary. She was deeply committed to student and adult literacy, working as Reading Curriculum Coordinator for the Williamsburg-James City Schools and Reading Specialist for James Blair Middle School. She began her teaching career at Rawls Byrd Elementary School. She was also a member of Delta Kappa Gamma. She is survived by her husband, Lawrence S. Beckhouse of Williamsburg; her sons, David L. Beckhouse and his wife, Rachel Dunn of Denver, Colorado and Christopher S. Beckhouse and his wife, Dana of Appomattox, Virginia; grandchildren, Lillian Virginia Beckhouse, Ava Elizabeth Beckhouse and Chase Edwin Beckhouse. A celebration of life service will be announced at a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Hospice House and Support Care of Williamsburg, williamsburghospice.org/donate/ or to Literacy for Life, literacyforlife.org. Online condolences may be offered at www.nelsencares.com.

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Published by Virginia Gazette on Mar. 26, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Elizabeth Beckhouse

Sponsored by Nelsen Funeral Home - Williamsburg.

23 Entries

April 5, 2016

Our hearts were greatly touched when we heard the sad news of our dear friend and district team member. Our sincerest condolences goes to her family during this difficult time. . Mrs. Beckhouse assisted us in our journey of School Improvement at Norfolk Highlands Primary School in Chesapeake, VA. Her guidance and wisdom greatly assisted us with our school's growth She always shared encouraging kind words about our students, teachers, and our school. We will miss her gentle spirit and will continue to strive for excellence in her honor.

Mrs. Smiley & the Norfolk Highlands Primary School Family (Chesapeake, VA)

Shawnia Smiley

April 5, 2016

Jan Sarmiere

April 3, 2016

Liz was a member of our book club, "The Ladies of the Book Club." She was planning to join us at the beach this month for discussion of "the Wright Brothers." We are planning our own memorial to her in Nags Head. She will be missed.

March 31, 2016

My family & I are sad to hear of Mrs. Beckhouse's passing. She was my 2 youngest boy's principal for a couple years at Stonehouse Elementary & she ran a tight ship. Our prayers are with her family & friends. Sincerely, The Lee family

Ginny Degnan

March 30, 2016

Sincerest condolences to the Beckhouse Family. I was privileged to work with Liz at Stonehouse School and was always impressed with her dedication to all the students in her care as well as the family of staff that joined her. She was by far the most empowering administrator that I was ever fortunate enough to work with. Her legacy will continue in all of us whose lives she touched.

Keven & Deanna Jones

March 29, 2016

It is an honor to say that my husband and I along with two of our childrren were all blessed with the opportunity to flourish under Liz's guidance. Her genuine love for children and lifelong commitment to making a difference will forever remain in our hearts. While Liz is now free in a place we can only dream about, she will be deeply missed and her legacy will live on in the countless lives she touched. We pray that the Beckhouse Family would be bathed in the comfort of the Holy Spirit during this difficult time, finding strength in the reality that you will one day meet again.
-Love & Blessings

Jane Midnight

March 28, 2016

Liz was a well respected and admired person and educator who made us all better human beings just by knowing her. You will be missed Liz.

Fran Delo

March 27, 2016

She was a great and generous boss but most of all she could bring the good out in everyone.

March 27, 2016

A classy, intelligent lady who passed away so fast and before her time.

Don & Virginia Townsend

March 27, 2016

Chris, Dana and family - our deepest condolences to you and your family. Our prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Your mother was a wonderful, warm person.

Kadari Taylor-Watson

March 27, 2016

Mrs. Beckhouse was a star educator, a wonderful principal, and overall beautiful person. Her legacy lives on in all her students, including me. My prayers are will the family.

Elaine Watkins and Family

March 27, 2016

So very sad to hear this. She was an amazing educator , mentor and friend. She took us into her heart and always supported us. Love you Liz.

Janet Parsons

March 26, 2016

A beautiful woman of such grace, inspiration, excellence, and wisdom. I am sad on many levels for her family and this community; our loss is surely her gain.

March 26, 2016

I was so sorry to hear of Liz's death. My thoughts are with her family.

Judy Knudson

Marguerita Desander

March 26, 2016

Deepest sympathy to the Beckhouse family. Liz was a wonderful person who left a beautiful legacy in the many lives she touched. May she be at peace now and may her family find comfort and solace in the difficult days ahead.

Karen Taylor

March 26, 2016

Such wonderful memories of such a lovely lady will always be with me. Liz will always be a role model who with her quiet strength made the Williamsburg area a better place. Our thoughts and love are with you and your family!

Charlie Costs

March 26, 2016

A long time friend who taught with my wife, she was dedicated. My thoughts and prayers for her family and friends.
She is missed by many.

Nancy Catano

March 26, 2016

As a fellow principal who followed Liz at Norge I offer my deepest respect and condolences to her family and everyone grieving her loss.

Linda Cavanaugh

March 25, 2016

I will miss my dear, dear friend. Praying for all of you!

Sharon Hummel

March 25, 2016

Thoughts and prayers with her family and the Stonehouse Elementary family. She was very much loved. She was a great person, principal and mentor. She hired me as a young summer school teacher and then later as full time teacher at Stonehouse. She was my very favorite mentor and even though I only shared 2 years with her I think of her often and the life wisdom she shared with us all. A beautiful person .....she will me missed.

Janice Kirby Baxter

March 25, 2016

Oh Liz, you have gone to your reward. And a big reward it will be for such a beautiful woman. You were always so sweet, so interested in everyone's well being; from a child to a custodian to a bus driver, always spreading joy with your ever present smile. Rest in peace dear Liz. To her family, my very deepest condolences, I know your grief is terrible. But the angels have welcomed one of their own where she will watch over her loved ones.

June Beaver

March 25, 2016

Our prayers for the family. Our deepest sympathies. She was such a wonderful lady. Loved how she was so good with the children. Enjoyed working with her at Stonehouse Elementary.

Blanche Reed

March 25, 2016

God bless such a beautiful lady ill always remember her beautiful smile and the love and kindness she had for her students god bless the family love blanche reed bus driver of norge school

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