Lois Beryl Tillett
February 21, 1946 ~ November 6, 2021
Lois Beryl Tillett, age 75, passed away peacefully into the arms of her Savior on Saturday, November 6, 2021 at her home in Vienna, Virginia.
Lois was born on February 21, 1946 in Portsmouth, Virginia, the daughter of Braxton and Reba Tillett. She had one elder brother, Roger, who died shortly after birth.
Lois grew up in the Norfolk/Portsmouth area of Virginia, spending summers in Manns Harbor, North Carolina with family. She always felt a special connection to that area as her "home." She attended Emmanuel College in Franklin Springs, Georgia, where her mother worked, and earned her associate degree there.
Lois lived most of her adult life in Shenandoah, Virginia where she raised her sons. After retirement she moved to the Northern Virginia area to be closer to her grandkids, being a very involved “Gammy” in their lives, much to their delight. Along with being a committed Christian her whole life, she was always first and foremost a loving and devoted mother and grandmother, encouraging and supporting her kids and grandkids in every way she possibly could.
In addition to her love of babies and kids, Lois had a special tenderness for animals, adopting (or being adopted by!) many dogs and cats throughout her life, including one dog who dug his way under the fence into her yard, meeting her there when she came home from work. She had an appreciation for the Star Wars movies, seeing the original trilogy and the prequels in theaters with her sons, who continue to be Star Wars nerds. Lois loved to laugh, had a fun and quirky sense of humor, and was also very creative and artistic. She enjoyed seafood, particularly soft shell crabs and raw oysters.
Lois is survived by her 3 sons: Troy Layton (Bob Portlock), Daniel Balberchak III (Katie), and William Balberchak. Her memory also lives on in her 3 adoring grandchildren: Anna, Thomas, and Braxton.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00pm on Friday, December 3rd at Vienna Presbyterian Church in Vienna, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a favorite animal shelter/rescue or to First Book (www.firstbook.org).
Lois was born on February 21, 1946 in Portsmouth, Virginia, the daughter of Braxton and Reba Tillett. She had one elder brother, Roger, who died shortly after birth.
Lois grew up in the Norfolk/Portsmouth area of Virginia, spending summers in Manns Harbor, North Carolina with family. She always felt a special connection to that area as her "home." She attended Emmanuel College in Franklin Springs, Georgia, where her mother worked, and earned her associate degree there.
Lois lived most of her adult life in Shenandoah, Virginia where she raised her sons. After retirement she moved to the Northern Virginia area to be closer to her grandkids, being a very involved “Gammy” in their lives, much to their delight. Along with being a committed Christian her whole life, she was always first and foremost a loving and devoted mother and grandmother, encouraging and supporting her kids and grandkids in every way she possibly could.
In addition to her love of babies and kids, Lois had a special tenderness for animals, adopting (or being adopted by!) many dogs and cats throughout her life, including one dog who dug his way under the fence into her yard, meeting her there when she came home from work. She had an appreciation for the Star Wars movies, seeing the original trilogy and the prequels in theaters with her sons, who continue to be Star Wars nerds. Lois loved to laugh, had a fun and quirky sense of humor, and was also very creative and artistic. She enjoyed seafood, particularly soft shell crabs and raw oysters.
Lois is survived by her 3 sons: Troy Layton (Bob Portlock), Daniel Balberchak III (Katie), and William Balberchak. Her memory also lives on in her 3 adoring grandchildren: Anna, Thomas, and Braxton.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00pm on Friday, December 3rd at Vienna Presbyterian Church in Vienna, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a favorite animal shelter/rescue or to First Book (www.firstbook.org).
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Lois was my college roommate for 2 years. She visited my family for a week, and I visited with hers the next year. She and I were allowed to take her mom’s car on a trip to Mann Harbor to visit with her aunt and uncle. It was an unforgettable trip with lots of fun and giggles. I visited Lois a couple of times in Roanoke in the home of a mutual friend and alum. My husband Baxter (who went to class with Lois for 4 years,) 2 of my teenage granddaughters, and I went to dinner with Lois. My granddaughters, who expected us to be old fuddy-duddies, were so entertained by her humor and wit. Lois will always have a special place in my heart. See you later, Lois!! ❤️
I have only know her through my talks with her son Daniel Balberchak. I know she was very much loved by her son Daniel, daughter-in-law Katie and her grandkids. May God keep her soul with love and care as well.