Elizabeth “Beth” Milby Burch of West Point, 70, a devoted mother, wife, sister, daughter, and cherished friend, passed away unexpectedly on September 6, 2025.
Born on November 4, 1954, in Richmond, Virginia, Beth was raised on Salem Farm in Mattaponi, where her roots shaped her love for family, community, and the beauty of the natural world. She graduated from West Point High School and went on to dedicate more than four decades of service as the school secretary, retiring in 2019. Through her work, she touched the lives of countless students, families, and colleagues with her warmth, kindness, and steady presence.
In 1974, Beth married her high school sweetheart, Larry Burch. Their marriage was a true partnership built on love and laughter. They spent 38 wonderful years together before Larry’s passing in 2012.
Beth’s greatest joy came from the people she loved most. She poured her heart into her family and friends, making every gathering brighter with her thoughtfulness and generosity. She had a gift for nurturing—not only through her devotion to her family, but also in her lifelong love of flowers, which she lovingly tended for decades.
Beth will be remembered for her remarkable ability to make others feel seen and valued. She never missed a birthday, anniversary, or special milestone, always marking the occasion with a card, a call, or a kind word. Her thoughtfulness and steady presence left an indelible mark on everyone blessed to know her.
Beth’s life was a testament to love, kindness, and quiet strength. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who loved her.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry, and her parents, James Sr. and Audrey Milby. She is survived by her daughter, Ashley Burch, her brother, James Milby Jr. (Barbara), her sister-in-law, Elizabeth Faudree (Eric), her dog Lucy, and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heritage Humane Society in Williamsburg.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM, Thursday, September 11th at Vincent Funeral Home, 417 11th St., West Point, VA. A funeral service will be held 11 AM, Friday, September 12th, also at the funeral home, with burial following in Beulah Church Cemetery.
