Obituaries » Sandy Beale Foster

Sandy Beale Foster

December 28, 1967 - April 19, 2023

Sandy Beale Foster left for her heavenly home April 19, 2023, in Lynchburg, Virginia, holding the hands of some of her most cherished family. The outpouring of love from her family and friends over the past several weeks helped to usher her peacefully into paradise, delivering her from the confines of her earthly afflictions. She was 55 years old.

Sandy was born December 28, 1967, in Lynchburg, Virginia. She graduated from Amherst County High School in 1986 and lived her life in Amherst County. She was a dedicated stay-at-home mom for many years before going back to work with children at Amherst Presbyterian Preschool. She was a natural caregiver, and soon felt called to work with special needs children at the Laurel Regional Program in Lynchburg, where she happily committed herself for 10 years. Her time and experience there led her to ultimately become a respite caregiver, and she hosted a client in her home for years before she fell ill. She always considered him part of the family, and she loved him like a son.

Sandy is survived by her devoted husband, Joshua Edward Foster, three adoring children, Sydney (David), Skyler (Kody), and Ethan, one grandson, Colson, her mother and stepfather, Carolyn and Robert Wright, her father and stepmother, Marcus and Cathy Beale, her great uncle and aunt, Edwin and Lisa Bomar, her half sister, Amy Beale (Steve), her half brothers, Marcus (Aimee), Justin, Chris (Ashley), Scott (Leandra), and several cousins, nephews, and nieces.

Sandy was welcomed to Heaven by Edwin “Zip” and Beatrice Bomar, her grandparents who raised her, who she lovingly referred to as “Mama and Daddy”.

Sandy was a loving wife, the most incredible mom, and the proudest Nan. She was a beacon of light and positivity even in the face of her own battles, a lover of life, a plant whisperer, a rock music aficionado, a caregiver, an empathetic ear, and a genuine friend to so many. She didn’t know a stranger, she could talk to a wall, and she could make friends wherever she went. You had to hope you weren’t in a hurry when you ran into her, because she would always take the opportunity to catch up. She gave the most thoughtful gifts. She was incapable of being on time. She was flawed, and she was perfect.

While her soul wasn’t ready to go, her body was, and she was at peace with God’s decision.

The family would like to express monumental thanks to mom’s caregivers, as she was unwaveringly confident in her path of care and the guidance of her many doctors. Thank you to everyone at Duke Cancer Center, for their perseverance and expertise; her husband, Josh, for his steadfast support and comfort over many years; and especially her great aunt, Lisa, who voluntarily shouldered much of the emotional weight mom meant to keep from her loved ones throughout her illness, and always made her feel safe and comfortable.

There will be a celebration of Sandy’s life at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 23, 2023 at Randolph Memorial Baptist Church, with Pastor Derik Hamby officiating. There will be refreshments immediately following the memorial, donated by the church. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to Duke Cancer Center.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Madison Heights, is assisting the family.

Condolences & Tributes

Celebrate Sandy's life with a short message, photo or video!

We’re so sorry to hear of Sandy’s passing. Thoughts and prayers for all the family

Posted by Debbie and Claude on April 23, 2023

Skylar, I wish there were words that one could say that would help all of this to be easier on you and your family. The memories are to cherish and I am sure there are many. Please know we are here for you if there is anything we can do. Your mother loved with all she had and I am certain she was beyond proud of each and everyone of you.

Posted by Dee Dowdy and Family on April 22, 2023

RIP Sandy was such a beautiful young lady inside and out. I loved her as a friend in school and she was an inspiration to my niece as a teacher. Fly high Angel.

Posted by Sherry Litchford Standley on April 22, 2023

I am so sorry to hear of Sandy’s passing. I haven’t seen her in many many years but she was always so kind to me when I knew her. My thoughts and prayers go to her family during this difficult time.

Posted by Amanda Arndt on April 22, 2023

I always admired Sandy in High School. She was so pretty and always smiling. Prayers of strength and comfort for her children and all who loved her. Gone too soon.

Posted by Janet Campbell Koehler on April 22, 2023

My heart was crushed to hear of Sandy’s passing . She was the sweetest friend and loved her family . Thru all my surgeries and years of this recovery she would always ask what could she do for me . I always responded “ I want you to take care of your self “ she was such a light in this world and a sweet soul. To Skyler , Ethan and Sidney my heart aches for you all. This tribute was absolutely the best one ever . She was proud of you all . Sending love prayers and peace during this difficult time -

Posted by Sherry Falls on April 21, 2023

Although I have not seen Sandy since she was an infant I’ve always known how much Zip and Bea loved and cherished her. Her obit was lovingly written.

Posted by Anne Ricketts Williams on April 21, 2023

Sandy was a beautiful soul with a great sense of humor, the best laugh, great conversation, and great love for her family. We will miss you Sandy! Thank you for blessing us with your friendship. ❤️🙏

Posted by The Mihalik Family on April 21, 2023

Sandy you were such a loving , giving person. You touched so many lives with your kindness. I know you are rejoicing in heaven with your loved ones. You will be dearly missed by all who knew you. Love you sweet friend. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Posted by Sharon Cash on April 21, 2023

Deepest sympathy and condolences for family and friends

Posted by Lori Ogden on April 21, 2023

We love you so much Sandy. You and I had a lot in common and your presence was always exciting for everyone. You fought hard and everyone is still proud of you ❤️

Posted by Ashley on April 21, 2023

What a beautifully written tribute to Sandy. She was always asking and concerned about others and never took the opportunity to talk about herself unless you asked. Her strength and faith was incredible. Her legacy will live on in her children and all who knew her. With heartfelt condolences to the family, Kim.

Posted by Kim Wood on April 21, 2023

sending prayers. Rip 🙏

Posted by James Haag on April 21, 2023

So very sorry for the loss of your Mom, keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. Just know she is at peace and she's no longer suffering.

Posted by Tommy & Teresa Goin on April 21, 2023

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