Beverly Jean Metzger
March 25, 1941-December 26, 2021

Beverly Jean "BB" Metzger passed away in her sleep in Suffolk, VA, early in the morning of December 26, 2021. She was predeceased by her parents, Vernon and Irene Ripley, and her nephew, Jeff Higgins, of Portsmouth, VA.

BB was born in Portsmouth on March 25, 1941 and graduated from Cradock High School. She gave herself the nickname "BB" because her nephew Jeff could not pronounce "Beverly", and the name spread quickly among her family and friends.

She eloped with her husband Robert on December 10, 1961. As she returned to her parents' home, her mother took one look at her and exclaimed, "You got married, didn't you?" While there was some conflict that night, BB and Robert had a long and successful marriage and celebrated their 60 ^th anniversary together this past December.

BB's first career was as a full-time homemaker and mother to two sons she loved very much, leading the family through several moves as Robert moved up the corporate ladder until they returned to Portsmouth in 1984. After her children reached adulthood, she began working for the Portsmouth Public Schools as a Film Librarian in the fall of 1985 and retired from there in 2004.

Before, during and after her career, BB loved decorating, especially for every holiday. She continued her parents' tradition of a large and generous Christmas, and we are fortunate to have had one last Christmas with her.

In addition to her husband, BB is survived by her sons, Robert Jr (Laurie) and Michael; her cherished granddaughter Madison; her sister Diane, who lived with her for the past 20 years, her niece Kathi Dietz (Ronnie) and great-nephews Jason Gayle (Harmony) and Nickolas; and many other beloved family members and friends, all of whom were fortunate to have her in their lives.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 12, 2022 in the chapel at Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens, Suffolk, VA. Condolences may be registered at BWFosterFuneralHome.com.