PORTSMOUTH - Shirley Frances Smith Beckman, 81, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2013.

She was a native of Newport News. Shirley had worked as a switchboard operator/supervisor, retail associate, realtor, and had been a Navy wife. She was a part of many organizations including USO, Orcutt Ave. Baptist East End Church, Hewitt Farms Protestant Military Chapel, Million Dollar Club Realtor, and the Military Chapel at Yorktown Naval Weapons Station.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Alden Bruffy and Helen Jean Bassett Smith; husband, George Walter Beckman; daughter, Sheila M. Beckman Sturgill; brothers, David J. Smith, Johnny E. Smith, Robert A. Smith; and sisters, Helen Jean Smith and Marion L. Smith.

Survivors include her daughters, Lisa G. Beckman-Cloud and Tamara Beckman Doherty; sons, Jeffery Eric Beckman and Kirk Garrett Beckman; grandchildren, Samuel E. Beckman, Darby Mer Beckman, Matthew Doherty, Eric Doherty, Opal Beckman, and Ananda Beckman; sister, Elizabeth Ann Smith Phaup; brother, Ronald R. Smith; and many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 12 at Peninsula Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow the visitation, with Chaplain David Cromer officiating, with burial taking place at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association, American Lung Association, or the American Diabetes Association. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.

Published in Daily Press on January 11, 2013.
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