Birdie Robin West Lighthiser

1954 - 2024

Birdie Robin West Lighthiser

January 22, 1954 - September 6, 2024

Birdie Robin West Lighthiser, age 70, of Midlothian, VA, went home to be with the Lord on September 6, 2024. Born to the late Frank and Inez West on January 22, 1954. Birdie is survived by her devoted husband, Jeffrey; their three sons, Michael (Amanda), Joseph (Beth), James (Jake); and two grandchildren, Graham and Caroline (Joseph and Beth). Birdie grew up in Amelia, graduating from Amelia Academy then moving to Radford to attend college. She later transferred to Virginia Tech where she met Jeffrey and graduated from the School of Agriculture, with a degree in Horticulture. Birdie and Jeff married in September 1978, and began their lives in Blacksburg before eventually relocating to Midlothian, where they built their lives and raised their family. Prior to having children, Birdie taught vocational horticulture for Spotsylvania and Roanoke Counties. After having Michael, she became a homemaker and dedicated her life to her husband and children. Birdie volunteered countless hours for various organizations including a total of twelve years for the SCES PTA, Manakin Episcopal Church, and Richmond Friends of the Homeless. She was an avid reader and founded a monthly book club at her church, as well as chairing the church Pastoral Care program for close to a decade. Being a horticulture major, she loved flowers, especially Queen Anne's Lace and could, on occasion, be found stopping on a road trip with a pair of scissors to bring some home for arrangements. Birdie loved to cook and spoiled her friends, family and church family with delicious meals and treats, especially her famous caramel cake. Birdie was great at many things but she truly shone as a mother and grandmother. Her love overflowed onto her boys and grandchildren and there was never any question how much she adored them all. Words on this page cannot do justice for the woman she was and the void that will be felt now that she is gone. She was so very loved and will be greatly missed.

Family and friends will be received on Friday, September 20th, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Bliley's Funeral Home, 3801 Augusta Avenue, Richmond, VA. A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, September 21st at 11a.m. at Manakin Episocopal Church, 985 Huguenot Trail, Midlothian, VA 23113. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Richmond Friends of the Homeless, 4600 Jaydee Drive, Moseley, VA 23120 or the Manakin Episcopal Church Outreach Program.