PORTSMOUTH—Elizabeth "Liz" Carney Warner Respess, 65, of Portsmouth, Virginia unexpectedly passed away on January 26, 2023, after a long battle with cancer. Elizabeth was a naturally gifted artist and writer, a dedicated and loving wife, mother, and friend who will be forever longed for in the community and in our hearts.

Elizabeth was born on August 23, 1957, in Portsmouth, Virginia at Maryview Hospital. She spent her childhood in SE Asia, with her family stationed in Saigon from autumn of 1961 to November 1963; she attended a French elementary school there. Her family transferred to Camp Peary in Williamsburg, Virginia between the years 1963-1967, to Bangkok in 1967-1969, and then back again to Camp Peary. She graduated from Churchland High School and later briefly attended Bluefield College and Longwood College, ultimately completing her bachelor's degree in fine arts from Christopher Newport College. She spent the next several years raising her daughters and refining her craft by teaching and working at various art galleries.

She displayed an innate talent as an artist from a very young age and continued to pursue it throughout her entire life. Her favorite medium was oil painting, but she dabbled in all mediums as an outlet to express her love for people, nature, and history. She later developed a passion and dedication for art education and instruction, sharing her appreciation for the arts with many students of all ages.

Elizabeth had a bright and energetic personality. She was a fighter and the ultimate optimist. Her light and positivity radiated inside and out, touching everyone she encountered. She was everyone's constant supporter and confidant. Besides spending time with family and friends, she enjoyed reading, cooking, and caring for her beloved cat Skipper. She retired in her favorite place – her ancestral childhood home "Abigarlos" built circa 1812 by her great-great-great grandfather, with her ever attentive and loving husband, John. Our family would simply not be who and where we are without her. This loss is truly and deeply felt.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her father, Thomas Dickens Warner, Jr., and mother, Martha Wilson Warner. She is survived by her husband, John Randolph Respess (and daughters Sarah and Kelly); her brother, Thomas Dickens Warner III (Cara); her daughters, Erin Mehalic Burr (Andy), and Kathleen Mehalic DeFebo (Derek); four grandchildren: Jackson Cooper DeFebo, Sydney Frances DeFebo, Gavin Anderson Burr and Zoe Pepper Burr.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 4, at Churchland Baptist Church, 3031 Churchland Blvd., Chesapeake. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society in memory of Elizabeth Warner Respess. Condolences may be registered at BWFosterFuneralHome.com.