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Barbara Beasley Obituary

Barbara Marsh Beasley, 51, passed away suddenly of a ruptured cerebral aneurysm on November 3, 2005. She was preceded in death by her parents, Dorcerie Marsh Cash and Otis Summers Marsh Jr. She is survived by her daughter, Angela Beasley Kelchner; and son-in-law, Geoffrey Ross Kelchner; her grandson, Brock "Pistol Pete" Ross Kelchner; her sister, Susan Marsh Coleman; her nephew, Mark "Bub" Coleman; her niece, Allison Coleman Gerbereux and her daughter, Riley "The Princess and the Pea" Anne Gerbereux. Barbara was the owner and operator of the Little Mending Shop which has been in business for over 50 years. In addition to being a business owner, she was a gifted and talented competitive powerlifter and held multiple American and World Records and Titles. Barbara worked closely with the Amateur Athletic Association. She was the East Coast Powerlifting Chairperson, a National Board Member for Powerlifting, the Virginia State Chairperson and a Co-Meet Director of the Virginia Powerlifting Association. She trained at Mike's Gym in Mechanicsville and American Family Fitness Center. Barbara truly loved the sport of Powerlifting and the close fellowship of friends that developed. Visitation will be held on Friday, November 4, at Bliley's Funeral Home, 3801 Augusta Ave., Richmond, Va., from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Services will be held on Saturday, November 5, 2005, at 11 a.m at Huguenot Road Baptist Church, 10525 West Huguenot Road, Richmond, Va., followed by an interment at Maury Cemetery. Barbara was an organ donor through LifeNet. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the "Women of Steel"c/o Virginia Powerlifting Association, 6108 Pine Slash Road, Mechanicsville, Va. 23116. These contributions will sponsor a youth and/or youth team to attend the 2006 AAU Junior Olympics to compete in Powerlifting.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Richmond Times-Dispatch on Nov. 4, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Beasley

Not sure what to say?





Darlene Hobson

January 14, 2024

Barbara,
I knew you at Mike's and always enjoyed talking to you. We had some laughs there getting ready to start our days. I wish I had known you better. You were a beautiful woman inside and out and i wanted to be more like you. As if i ever could. You would always tell me " if I had your legs I could be so much better as a power lifter" mostly it was " if I had your legs!" THAT was the best compliment anyone could have given me and I knew she wasn't just blowing smoke.
Thank You Barbara for always making me feel like you were in my corner. You will be forever in my heart and I'll think of you often my beautiful friend.
Thank You for all eternity.
Darlene

Joe Onorati

June 28, 2022

Joe Onorati

June 28, 2022

Joe Onorati

June 28, 2022

Rest in peace powerlifter.

Roger Ernst

October 29, 2019

It's coming up on 14 years since my friend passed. I was in the room for the final good bye. I still think of her often and miss her. Another sad thing is Barbara and I never dated, even though other close friends thought we did. The day I was driving in from Winchester for the funeral, I saw two perfectly shaped clouds: "BB". I often think of those clouds when looking up and seeing other clouds.

mike baker

November 12, 2005

I still can't believe you left us so soon.. Barbara, your sudden passing has left a void that only time (hopefully) will heal for your friends and family who knew you best. Our hearts are saddened at the loss, but better for the chance to have known you... we'll miss you so much...

Chris Saady

November 10, 2005

Barbara- We were acquainted for years and close for just a few months, but it was enough to know that you are a smart, determined, and beautiful woman. I have and will always respect what you have done with your life, and your memory will always make me feel good inside. I will miss you.- Chris Saady

Meg Mangum

November 9, 2005

Barbara was our neighbor on Southcliff Road. We didn't know her well, but she always greeted us with a friendly smile when we walked or drove by, and she was a lovely person. We will miss seeing her in our neighborhood and we send our thoughts and prayers to her family and friends.

Larry Larsen

November 8, 2005

I was the first person you called in the AAU that call turned into hundreds and a friendship blossomd the loss is great I will miss you my friend

Jeff Jobes

November 7, 2005

Barbara was my closest and greatest friend in powerlifting.

She is the primary reason I am involved in AAU Powerlifting as the NC State Chairman and I already miss talking to her.

She ran great meets and she supported powerlifting in a way that went above and beyond any normal effort.

Barbara will be missed.

Drew Spencer

November 7, 2005

Barbara,

We all started out at Body Mechanics, I knew then you would be a friend. Thanks Barbara

Drew

Rachel Bollinger

November 7, 2005

Barbara,

I was totally shocked when Roger called me at work and told me. You were a friend to all. You always took time in your work out to speak to me Barbara. Roger broke down and cried when he told me he was in the room with your daughter and sister at the time you left us. He will truly miss you as I will miss you. My deepest sympathy is extended to your family. May God Bless you Barbara.

Cheryl Howard

November 7, 2005

I am so sorry to hear of Barbara's untimely passing. She was a true champion. May God comfort her family in this very difficult time.

Ivy Schuler

November 6, 2005

Dear Angie,and family,

Your mother's spirit lives on through so many of us. I'm afraid even I would not be The Sport Manager for AAU Powerlifting if not for her. I thought just for an instant while at her funeral that I do not want to do this now that she is gone. I felt her kicking my but the instant that thought crossed my mind. I will continue to do my job until everything your Mom ever wanted to see happen in AAU Powerlifting comes to fruition. She is here, all around you and through us. Anything you need Angie, [email protected]/407-828-3900

Avis Henderson

November 5, 2005

To Barbara's Family,

You have lost a great mother, grandmother and friend. Even though she is no longer with us in body, she will always be with us in spirit. She was a great inspiration to everyone who attended an AAU meet and her presence will be greatly missed.

With Deepest Sympathy,

Avis Henderson

Cindy Kalfoglou

November 5, 2005

Barbara,

Downtown Richmond will not be the same without you. Your strength was very evident in how you approached everything you did. You were truly a "woman of Steel" I will miss you.

John Kuhar

November 4, 2005

To those who are left behind. I know what it takes to be a World Champion, confidence,persistance,pain and struggle. Barbara had all of that and more. I am so very sorry for your loss. Barbara will be missed.

Steve & Terri Oglethorpe

November 4, 2005

Barbara, it's hard to believe you're gone. You were a hugh part of Virginia Powerlifting and an inspiration to us all. You will truly be missed. Love Steve, Terri, and Meagan

Bob Strauss

November 4, 2005

Barbara was a classy person as well as hard working in everything she touched. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to know her and lift in her meets. I'm so saddened that she is gone from us, but I know that her legasy will continue to touch many for a long time to come.

Joe Formato

November 4, 2005

Barbara was one of the most inspirational people in the sport of powerlifting. Her enthusiasm and energy will truly be missed by all of us. Although she is gone from our lives - her memory and spirit will remain with us.

Kenneth James

November 4, 2005

Barbara was a great ambassador for the sport of powerlifting. She was an inspiration to me and I will miss her.

Maureen Cahill

November 4, 2005

It is difficult to come up with words to express our sorrow at your loss. Our thoughts are with Barbara's family.



The Cahills: Bruce, Maureen, and Jeremiah

Lucy Hawkins

November 4, 2005

Our Dearest Barbara:

We want to thank you for all you have done for our team at the Army National Guard Bench Press Team, Arlington, Va. The October 05 championship was great; especially with your excellent performance! You will be truly missed and loved forever!



National Guard Bureau (NBG)

Lynn Grubbs-Wood

November 4, 2005

Barbara your spirit and energy will be missed by all that knew you. Prayers to your family.

Billy Horne

November 4, 2005

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. I feel fortunate to have met Barbara at a few aau meets. She was a blessing to the young lifters, always offering guidance and support. She touched many lives.

Frank Nelson

November 4, 2005

Barbara,



I have grown over the years to respect and admire your efforts to a sport you clearly love. You have impacted so many people along the way. I cannot tell you all the people that were truly saddened.

I am especially going to miss your wonderful banter with Lynne all the while telling her to go "Get Tested"



You are now in the safe hands of our lord. Rest in Peace Wonderful Lady. You have earned the privilege.



Frank Nelson

Lynne Nelson

November 4, 2005

Dear Barbara,

There is so much that I owe to you in allowing me to become a "Woman of Steel" I will always cherish having the opportunity to know you. Your words of wisdom never fell on deaf ears, and never once failed in their designed purpose. You always made me feel welcome, never the ousider. For that I will be forever grateful.



Lynne

Barbara and Bob Srauss

November 4, 2005

Paul Griffith

November 4, 2005

My condolences to all the members of Barbara's family. Barbara will always be remembered by the powerlifting community as the most enthusiastic and competent meet director ever. In my 42 years of weightlifting competition, I have never enjoyed any meets more than the ones that Barbara directed. Barbara will be greatly missed by the AAU lifters.

Meredith and Mitchell Hayes

November 4, 2005

I know that weekend mornings at the gym will never be the same for all who were there. She was always laughing and smiling and working her hardest each day. May we all commit ourselves as much to the things we loved as Barbara did, to carry forward for her and her family.

Robin Cottrell

November 4, 2005

'God brings us together for a reason, a season, or a lifetime so who knows where we'll meet again on our journey.'

Barbara, I will miss you SO VERY MUCH. Without your help I never would've made it onstage for my very first competition. You are my greatest inspiration. We've been called "two peas in a pod" - what an honor that is for me. Know that you are loved and missed - every day.

Alfred Walker

November 4, 2005

What a life!!!



Angie, it is so hard to lose our moms, and for the little ones to lose their grandmother. Love and prayers for you from the Walkers in the time to come.

Eddie White

November 4, 2005

Many times I have paraphrased the words of Will Rogers to characterize my own feelings in stating that "I never met a powerlifter I did not like". In this sport are some of the most generous and courageous people of character I have ever met. At the top of the heap is Barbara Beasley. A genuine warm and caring person who made all who met her feel instantly comfortable and among friends. Her loss to the Sport of Powerlifting and to the family she has there is deeper than words can describe. I wish I could say more but there is something in my eyes making them water and it is dripping on my keyboard.

Anne Billington Adair

November 4, 2005

Angie and Family,

I am shocked and saddened to hear of your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Please let me know if you need anything at all.

Love, Anne

Theresa Anne Vaughan (Smith)

November 4, 2005

I am really sad. I feel another part of my life has been ripped away... I want all of the family to know Tim and I are here for you... in whatever you need always... I cherish all the memories as a young child.. Barbara put sparkle and light into my life.. and now I know you will be up in heaven with mom, laughing at all the things we are doing down here....

Kelly Trainum

November 4, 2005

Angie,

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and Prayers.

Lucky, Kelly, Heather and Chelsea

Sharon & Ted Hoffman

November 4, 2005

Barbara, both Ted and I were shocked and deeply saddened when we heard the news yesterday. You were an inspiration to both of us. God bless you and your family. Our prayers are with you and them.

Tricia Emrich

November 4, 2005

Barbara, it has been a pleasure knowing you. It is so hard to believe such a wonderful person as yourself is gone. You are surely going to be missed. I am glad to have know you and I will miss seeing you. We all know you are in a wonderful place. May you watch over each and everyone who was touched by you.

We all love you,

Tricia Emrich

Michael Bennett

November 4, 2005

My condolences go out to the Marsh family. Since I've known Barbara over the past 2 years she have always been an inspiring, loving and fun woman to be around. I can't express myself enough on how much you will be missed by your family and the powerlifting community. My prayers go out to everyone in the Marsh family.

Michael Bennett and Essie Washington

Carolyn Kuhn

November 4, 2005

To Angela,Family and Friends, I am very sorry for your loss. Please except my sincere sympathy, and please let me know if I can do anything for you.

Kristie Smith

November 4, 2005

I am just so sorry for this families loss. I recently met Barbara at The Crowne Plaza where my nephew, Marcus Hughes, lifted. I know he thought alot of her. She was very friendly and welcoming. Again, just so sorry. God Bless!

Gary Emrich

November 4, 2005

Barbara, was a close and devoted friend, she was like my second mom, we've had good times and a lot of great experiences she will be deeply missed.

Jill & Lee Gaugler

November 4, 2005

Angie,

Our deepest sympathies in your time of loss. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you, Geoff and Brock.

Ruby Simmons

November 4, 2005

I was so sorry to hear about Barbara's sudden death. My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.

willie caplan

November 4, 2005

she was a wonderful dedicated person in this world and will be with the lord by his side. i will miss her , and so will her family and friends. may the lord be thankful that she is in heaven by his side

MICHAEL H. SCOTT

November 4, 2005

May the Peace of Christ comfort you in this time of your lost.

Tommy Dorsey

November 4, 2005

"It's only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth -- and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up, we will then begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had."

~Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

Barbara lived every day to the fullest. She was also dedicated to helping those of us lucky enough to know her well, to live each of our
days to the fullest. She left her mark on this world. She made a difference. Tom Dorsey

Ed & Chastity Williams

November 4, 2005

Angie,Geoff,&Brock,

We are so sorry for your loss.Your mom was a very special person to alot of people including all of us.Please know that if you need anything no matter what you can call us. We love you all.

Ed,Chastity,Kyara,Kayla,&Eddie

Wayne and Rachel Alsup

November 4, 2005

We wish to express our most heartfilled condolences to Barbara's family we only met at a brief time but she was truly a wonderful roll model for all to follow. God Bless and Keep you through your time of sorrow but know that Barbara will always be with us in mind and in heart. God Bless.

Jean Bland

November 4, 2005

Angie and Family:

Am thinking of you all in this sad time and keeping you in prayer. Only God can give you true peace in a difficult time. We love you all.

Jean and Sarah Bland

Pole Green Church of Christ

Tyronne (Troll) Foy

November 4, 2005

Barbara, We just talked a few months ago and suddenly God called you home for his needs. You are and always will be a part of my personal and "Sandcastle" family. I will miss your smile, caring and love of life.



Troll!

Roger Ernst

November 4, 2005

Barbara, you were a friend to all, and to all who fealt your friendship, you made each feel special and close. You were one of a few on my had and now my hand feels so empty. As you know,I was in your room til the end (and your new beginning) with your daughter and sister. I will truly miss you Barbara. I promise you, I will be there for Judy, Jill and Steve as they continue the AAU Powerlifting events through out the years to come. May God Bless you Barbara and keep your family strong. A Loving Friend and Loyal AAU Staff member. Roger

Jill Meads

November 4, 2005

Barbara, I cannot believe you are gone. The past few days have been as if we are in a dream. Know that Angie, Brock and Geoff will be fine and that we will always be there for them. I feel that I have lost a sister and a dear friend. all my love jill

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