Patricia Bodkin Beale

Patricia Bodkin Beale, of Sandston, VA passed away unexpectedly on Monday, July 12, 2021. She was born April 28, 1935, in Glenville, WV, to Raymond C. Bodkin and Eula Gerwig Bodkin. Pat spent her childhood on a farm on Steer Creek, West Virginia and continued to love the West Virginia mountains her entire life. She was a graduate of Renan High School in Gretna, VA where she played on the girls’ basketball team and was the Senior Class Treasurer. Afterwards, wanting a career in education like both her parents, she attended and graduated from Longwood College (now University) in Farmville, VA. Pat married Frank L. Beale on June 17, 1956, at the Congregational Christian Church in Franklin, VA, after which they settled into life in Sandston, VA. While there, she taught at Seven Pines Elementary School for many years. Over the years, Pat dearly loved spending time outside tending to the many beautiful azaleas, peonies, roses, and other flowers that decorated her yard. Additionally, along with Frank, she dedicated herself to cultivating a large garden that produced an abundance of tomatoes, green beans, peppers, cucumbers, squash, zucchini, butter beans, and other various vegetables each summer. She lovingly canned most of the fruits of her labor and generously shared it all with friends and family. After Frank’s passing, she also continued his tradition of preparing and giving away packages of home cooked peanuts. Pat was especially proud of the countless academic and athletic accomplishments of her grandchildren and frequently attended their numerous soccer matches, swim meets, baseball games, school plays, choral events, and award assemblies that took place over the years. Pat also found great joy in spending time with a group of friends known as “The Supper Group” which not only met monthly for dinner, but celebrated significant life events together for the better part of the last 50 years. She is predeceased by her parents; her brother, Raymond G. Bodkin; sister, Betty Farrior; and two other siblings who died in infancy. She is survived by her two children, Frank L. Beale, Jr. (Chip) and Stephen B. Beale, their wives Rebecca (Beckie) and Rita; as well as three grandchildren, Andrea Michelle, Gregory Thomas and Stephen B., II. Further, she is survived by her brother-in-law, Dr. Richard Farrior of Tampa, FL and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, all of whom she loved dearly. A memorial service and celebration of her life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 31, 2021, at Corinth United Methodist Church, 23 W. Williamsburg Rd., Sandston, VA 23150. Donations may be made in her memory to the church, to Child Evangelism Fellowship of Virginia, P.O. Box 27723, Richmond, VA 23261, or a charity of your choice.