Judy L. Foster

She was born June 16, 1945 in Norfolk, Va. She grew up in South Norfolk and graduated from Oscar Smith High School. She was predeceased by her mother, Evelyn L. Hardison; father, Roderick H. Levins and brother, John R. Levins.

She is survived by her husband of 43 years Richard S Foster; stepson, S. Scott Foster, stepson, Jeffery A. Foster and wife, Jenny and granddaughter, Hannah Jane of Augusta Georgia, Pets Cisco, Cheetah and Mama Cat. Sister-in-law, Linda Levins; nephews, Chris Levins, Randy Levins, Jason Levins and their wives and children of Chesapeake.

Anyone who knew Judy quickly learned that her inner beauty was equal to her striking outer beauty. Her natural interest in people and instinct to love rather than judge made her very approachable and easy to love. She will be missed by many who were fortunate enough to have her in their lives. Underneath Judy’s unassuming manner lay an unshakable faith that saw her through the trials of life. Nowhere was this more in evidence than in how she faced the cancer that ultimately took her from this world. Even more rare, Judy’s deep spiritually allowed room for respectful engagement with those whose faith was different from her own. Never one to impose her beliefs on others, Judy instead had the special gift of embodying what she found to be true. As a student of diverse spiritual traditions, Judy was fond of saying that she had learned from many different teachers but that everything she learned just added more dimension to her understanding of Christ, the central figure in her spiritual life. She was always especially interested in studies concerning the continuity of life beyond what we call death and was able to share this learning with countless others in her role as a volunteer lecturer for the Association for Research and Enlightenment in Virginia Beach. Judy’s love of beauty led her to appreciation of nature and music. This love was reflected in her considerable skill as an interior decorator whose skills were on display from model homes to private residences as well as private aircraft. And though she had not practiced professionally since her youth, Judy’s was a hair stylist extraordinaire as her many friends who benefited from her talent could attest. Her sense of style was impeccable. As a partner to her beloved husband, Dickie, the love of her life, Judy was a wise sounding board, a grounding influence and inspiration in his life she allowed him to dream and try to make those dreams a reality. A devoted wife, stepmother, grandmother, daughter, daughter-in-law, sister, sister-in-law and aunt. Judy also maintained deep friendships over the course of her lifetime, some stretching back to her childhood and teens. Her tender heart reached out not only to family and friends, but to beloved pets as well. To the end of her time here on earth, Judy’s concern for the wellbeing of all of these loved ones took precedence over concerns for herself. In death, as in life, Judy Foster was an inspiration.

The family would like to thank all the many doctors, nurses and our many friends and family who helped Judy through this past year. To Judy’s friend Lynn Sparrow, who met with her many times to comfort her and to Reverend Mark Bender and his wife Marlene along with all the wonderful people at Calvary Presbyterian who prayed with Judy and lifted her spirits thank you all.

A Celebration of Judy’s life will take place at 12 p.m. on Friday September 21st at Calvary Presbyterian Church, 150 Kempsville Road Norfolk. There will be refreshments following the Celebration in the church’s social hall, donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Virginia Beach SPCA.