Elizabeth Whitehurst Bergesen, age 97, left this earthly life on August 16, 2023.
Elizabeth was born in Princess Anne County in 1926 to the late Walter and Elsie Whitehurst. She graduated from James Madison University and taught in Princess Anne County for 6 years before meeting the love of her life, Bert Bergesen. They married in 1953 and she moved with her husband to Los Angeles, where she taught for another 20 years. In 2001, she relocated to Atlantic Shores in Virginia Beach and was an active member of Virginia Beach United Methodist Church, She was also an active member of Eastern Star for over 60 years.
Elizabeth was predeceased by her husband Bert, her loving son Richard, her sister Reba Thompson, and brother Rev. Walter Whitehurst. Left to cherish her memories are her sister-in-law, Dr. Betty Whitehurst; nieces Beth Thompson and Monica Whitehurst; nephews Douglas Thompson (Heshmat), Rev. David Whitehurst (wife Cherie; daughters Alison and Anne) and Bruce Whitehurst (wife Genise; son Carson: daughters Cameron and Caroline).
She also had two special families she considered to be family: Dave, Cathryn, Mackenzie and Chad Brown and Mark, Kay, Bradley and John Cayo.
Elizabeth had an amazing faith and touched many lives through her prayers and generosity. A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 25, 2023 at 11:30 a.m. at Atlantic Shores in the Harbourway building. Interment of ashes will be at Green Hills in Rancho Palos Verdes, California at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Virginia Beach United Methodist Church.
Elizabeth’s family extends its deep gratitude to the staff at Harbourway and Marina Bay for their love and care, and also to Heartland Hospice for their recent and vital assistance.
