Beryl D. West's Obituary
Beryl D. West, 94, of Jeffersonton, passed away on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at Fauquier Hospital in Warrenton, VA. She was born September 28, 1931, to the late DeWinton Burgess Dill and Beryl Jacobs Dill in Malden, MA.
Born in 1931, she grew up in various places along the East Coast. Massachusetts, Florida, and Virginia. She graduated from George Washington High School in Arlington in 1950. Even as a young woman, she had a remarkable presence — confident, expressive, and unafraid to take the lead. At just sixteen, she danced with the USO in Key West, Florida, and as a teenager, she delivered a speech on temperance before the United States Congress, an early sign of the strong convictions and bold spirit that would define her life.
She married three times. Her first marriage, to William Arthur Manvell, blessed her with three daughters: Noreen, Linda, and Lorraine. She later married William James Baumbach, with whom she had two sons: William James Baumbach II and Andrew Bernard Baumbach. In 1999, she married Richard “Dick” West, the love of her life. Though they had no children together, they shared twenty‑seven devoted years of partnership, laughter, and companionship.
She worked outside the home for most of her life, contributing her energy and determination to every role she took on. She helped her second husband run his business and later co‑owned a business with her husband, Dick. She was never one to sit still — she loved to travel, cook, sew, sing, dance, play card games, and plan events, and she approached every task with creativity and enthusiasm. She thrived when she was leading, organizing, or performing, and she had a natural gift for commanding a room. Outgoing, direct, and endlessly busy, she loved being at the center of things.
Her passion for community involvement ran deep. She performed for many years with the Vienna Lions Club’s Clown and Vaudeville Minstrel Shows, bringing joy and entertainment to countless audiences. She played an active role in the restoration of the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum, a project she cared for deeply. She was also a proud member of the Westmoreland County Ruritan Club, the Rivah Country Mad Red Hatters, and the Clifton Community Women’s Club (singing with their women’s chorale, The Holly Singers, always finding ways to contribute, connect, and lead.
In the final months of her life, she lived with her daughters Linda and Lorraine, and Linda’s husband Michael, surrounded by love, laughter, and care. Before that, she lived with her beloved husband Dick in Mount Holly, Virginia, where they built a life filled with companionship, shared projects, and deep affection.
She will be remembered for her unwavering determination, her vibrant personality, her love of performance and celebration, and her ability to bring people together. She lived life with purpose, conviction, and a flair that was uniquely her own
Beryl is survived by her husband, Richard West; children Noreen C. Manvell, Linda M. Bradshaw (Michael Urbanek), Lorraine M. Horton, (Poet) William J. Baumbach, II, and Andrew B. Baumbach (Sharona); step children, Matthew West (Jessica) and Kim Small (Glenn); grandchildren, Steven H. Bryant, James H. Bryant, Christopher D. Bradshaw, Jonathan L. Bradshaw (Britta), Macina L. Horton, Maverick Ware (David), Melissa Horton, Rebecca Horton, William J. Baumbach, III, (Cari) Lisa Evans (Tony), Michelle Voter (Norman) and Courtney Dougherty (James); great-grandchildren, Feori Dunn, Serenity Horton, Emmeri Nichols, Danala Nichols, Noah Nichols, Linnea Bradshaw, Willow Ware, Allison Baumbach, Katriena Baumbach, Ella Voter, Alanna Voter, and Ophelia Sellers; her dearest friends Alva Tudor and Regina Bennett, and dearest honorary grandchildren Mark Bennett and Jennifer Schmiedel; Sister; Carol Minasi.
In addition to her parents, Beryl is preceded in death by her brother, Don Garland, and her grandson, Patrick H. Bryant.
A celebration of life will be held on a future date, currently undetermined. Her ashes will be scattered at a location previously chosen by her.
What’s your fondest memory of Beryl?
What’s a lesson you learned from Beryl?
Share a story where Beryl's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Beryl you’ll never forget.
How did Beryl make you smile?