Sandy Beale Foster

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.