Debbie,"YaYa", departed this life October 25, 2023. She was born in Richmond, VA on August 10, 1954. Debbie graduated from Midlothian High School and attended Johnston Willis School of Nursing, class of 1975. She is preceded in death by her father and mother, William B. Lumpkin, Jr. and Anne S. Lumpkin, and her brother, Frank Fletcher Lumpkin. She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Rod Beard, her two daughters and their husbands, Whitney and Jimmy Bennetch and Taylor and John Hollingsworth; four adored grandchildren, Waverly, Thatcher, Foster and JD; sister, Lee Anne Judkins; brother, Billy Lumpkin and wife, Betty; sister-in-law, Patty Lumpkin; brothers-in-law, Jud Beard and Dean Beard and wife, Carol. Debbie will be forever loved and missed by all who knew her.

A memorial service will be held at Oman Funeral Home - 653 Cedar Road, Chesapeake, VA at 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 4 with a reception to follow at the Eagle Pointe Bay Club - 1502 Eagle Pointe Way, Chesapeake, VA. Eagle Pointe Bay Club - 1502 Eagle Pointe Way, Chesapeake.

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Published by The Virginian-Pilot from Oct. 30 to Nov. 1, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Deborah Beard

Sponsored by the family.

20 Entries

David McKee - Columbia, SC

November 28, 2023

Debbie was a good friend to me at Huguenot High School. Always cheerful and friendly and very supportive. Condolences to her family.

Arnie Leonard

November 6, 2023

Arnie Leonard

November 6, 2023

Arnie Leonard

November 6, 2023

Here is Debbie having fun traveling with VMI friends on our 2022 Rhine River cruise. Photos: Debbie and Rod eating dinner with friends in Brunate, Italy, near Lake Como, and Debbie taking a break in Rudesheim, Germany.

Wendy H. Babb, (Debbie knew me as Wendy Ward)

November 6, 2023

I was shocked to hear the news. My condolences during this time of tremendous grief for her family and friends. My prayers for comfort and healing moving forward. I have no doubt that she left you with an exorbitant amount of fond, loving and even laughable moments to cherish.
I haven't seen Debbie in years however, I had the pleasure of working with her years ago, at the "old" Chesapeake General Hospital O.R. She was a great nurse to work with, I remember how she had a gift to change the atmosphere in the room, for the better! No surgery or surgeon was too difficult for her.
She had a tremendous amount of love for her family, that's the other memory I have of her. I don't believe there was a day she didn't mention either her girls or her husband, her heart was full of love, that's a blessing. It is also, a breath of fresh air in the workplace. I believe the one thing every person who loved her, knew her, worked with her or had just met her have in common is, gratitude. I want the family to know, I'm just one in a sea of so many who's life was touched by Debbie Beard. God has blessed us all.

Beverly Bourne Engbersen

November 3, 2023

My heart aches at the loss of my dear friend. We started college together at Johnston Willis Hospital School of Nursing in 1972. We were roommates there as well as after college. We shared so much together. Her beautiful smile and laughter could fill a room. You were right , she will forever be loved and missed by all that knew her. Prayers to you Rod, your girls and grandchildren. She loved y´all so much. Class of 75.

Joan Hirsch (She called me "Hirschette"

November 2, 2023

So very sorry to hear this news. Debbie was so fun, a great nurse, great to work with. I knew her in the OR at Johnston Willis. We were all like family then. Condolences and prayers to her family.

Patty Lumpkin

November 2, 2023

Debbie was the bright light at all of the Lumpkin family gatherings. My heart hurts knowing I will never see her beautiful smile or hear that cheerful voice again.
Rod, we are all here for you, Whit, Tay and all the kids.
This picture was taken on mine and Frankie´s wedding day. I always loved that they were holding hands.
They are together again.

Jennifer beverley

November 1, 2023

Loved working with Debbie. Very positive and upbeat person. Condolences to her family!

Sharon Blythe

November 1, 2023

I met Debbie when she was in nursing school. She had the most infectious laugh. Debbie was a great nurse and a great friend. I will miss her and loved her as one of the sistas. My thoughts and prayers for peace and comfort for Rod and the girls.

Brenda Seward Sands

October 31, 2023

Debbie was one of my roommates at JW nursing school and a short time after graduation. I´ve been reminiscing a lot lately about the many experiences and happy times we all had together. They are great memories! She was a wonderful, spirited friend. Rod, I pray for comfort and peace for you and your family and cherish those precious memories of her.

Tamara Thompson

October 30, 2023

So sorry for your loss. Debbie was a great nurse, she gave her patients exemplary care. we always had so much fun in the OR at HDH. May she rest in peace and your family have loving memories. Tamara Thompson RN

Wanda Williams

October 30, 2023

I am so sorry for your loss! Debbie was such a special person and loved by everyone who knew her!! My heart is breaking for you all! You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time!!

Bobby and Kathleen May

October 30, 2023

Rocket, Kathleen and I are thinking of you and your family, with prayers said on Sunday during worship. I cannot imagine the loss you are experiencing, and for that, sadness has permeated all of us close to you and Debbie. She struck me as a very loving person of her family and of you, with happiness her central focus for all of you. She will be sorely missed by all of us outside your family, and of course, within you and the children. Bobby and Kathleen May

Sidney and Debbie Bragg

October 29, 2023

Rod, so sorry to hear about Debbie, please know you´re in our prayers. Sid and Debbie

Jane ( malloy) cahill

October 29, 2023

As a girl from Boston meeting a gal from Richmond , August of 1972.Little did either of us know a lifetime of friendship,sisterhood,and love of each other and our family´s were ahead. The Lumpkin family embraced me with their special love .Teaching a girl from New England how to tp a house, for sale sign and all.
Nursing school, dating,traveling was always full of fun when Debbie was around.Weddings, births,illnesses, all sorts of celebrations Deb was there for me.We had each other on speed dial.
I will forever be beholding to Debbie, she made my life full and special.love u 4 ever

Brenda Hentges

October 29, 2023

My heart is broken at the loss of this beautiful person. I will miss her terribly. Brenda Hentges. Class of. 77

Diane Avery Hancock

October 28, 2023

Debbie took care of me at Johnston Willis Hospital in 1976 following extensive surgery for Crohn's Disease. She was wonderful!! It was great having a school mate help me through a difficult time.

Betsy Blair

October 28, 2023

Debbie was one of my childhood best friends and our closeness endured through our lives. Our parents were friends before they were married and we all grew up as neighbors. Our love and loyalty persists.
Debbie and I traveled together on a medical mission trip to the Sudan in the mid 2000´s.
I loved her sweetness and hearty spirit.
I am so sorry for her loss and my heart breaks for Rod and her girls and grandkids.
RIP, dear Debbie.

Sue Jones

October 28, 2023

I will never forget traveling with Debbie on the Rhine River cruise summer of 2022. Her laugh, her dancing ability with her lifetime and "love of her life" partner Rod and always that great smile. She loved her girls so much and her grands.
She was a friend for close to 50 years...

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