Lois Beecham Burch, age 85, of Lugoff, SC, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by loved ones on September 10, 2025.

Born on June 29, 1940, in Newport News, VA, Lois was the beloved daughter of Ira Churchville Beecham and Ethel Mann Beecham, and was raised in Yorktown, VA. She attended York High School, Chowan University, and later graduated from Old Dominion University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. She went on to a long career as an elementary school teacher.

In 1965, Lois married Gary O. Burch Sr., and together they shared 60 years of marriage. They were blessed with three children: Leah P. Burch, Lisa D. Burch, and Gary O. Burch Jr., and later welcomed a grandson, Tyler J. Burch.

Lois will be remembered for her strong faith and perseverance through adversity. Anyone who knew her knew she was a devout Christian, living her faith in every aspect of her life. Her belief in Jesus was the foundation for her determination and resilience.

At the age of four, Lois contracted polio, which affected her right leg and ability to walk. Yet it never weakened her faith in God. She still played, performed chores, and even climbed trees. Despite facing stigma and bias due to her handicap, Lois refused to be discouraged. After her father’s sudden passing when she was 14, her family was plunged into poverty, but she persevered. Upon graduating from York High School in 1958, she declined the option of full disability and instead began her college education at Chowan University, later transferring to Old Dominion. To afford her education, she worked three jobs—never deterred, always persevering.

In 1964, Lois met Gary at church, and in July 1965 they were married. They welcomed their first child, Leah, in 1967. In 1974, their second child, Lisa, was born with a severe heart defect, prompting Gary Sr. to rejoin the Navy to provide medical coverage. Like many Navy wives, Lois shouldered the role of a “single mother” during Gary’s deployments of six to eight months each year. Despite being on crutches and working full-time as a teacher, she managed with faith, determination, family support, and Leah’s contributions as the oldest child. In 1977, Gary Jr. arrived as a joyful surprise. Energetic and spirited, he tested everyone’s resolve, yet Lois always took time to play with him—despite her physical challenges.

Many who came into Lois’s life regarded her as a motherly figure. Known for her sweet disposition, positive outlook, and unwavering faith, she will be dearly missed until all are reunited. Today, she is fully healed—running and dancing on the streets of gold, surrounded by those who went before her. 

Second only to her relationship with God was her love and affinity for her family and friends. She was unfortunately unable to travel to see them the past few years.  

Lois is survived by her sister, Barbra Beecham Holston; her devoted husband, Gary O. Burch Sr.; her daughter, Leah P. Burch; her son, Gary O. Burch Jr., and his wife, Mandy Baker Burch; her grandson, Tyler J. Burch; her “adopted” grandson, Colin Tannehill; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ira Churchville Beecham and Ethel Mann Beecham; her daughter, Lisa D. Burch; her sister, Shirley Beecham Spry; brothers-in-law, Larry Spry, Claude Holston, and James Duquette; her sister-in-law, Brenda Burch Duquette; and her mother-in-law, Joyce Stillwell Burch.

A visitation to honor Lois’s life will be held on September 19, 2025, at 6:00 PM at Powers Funeral Home, 832 Ridgeway Road, Lugoff, SC 29078, with a memorial service to follow at 7:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that tithes be given to your home of worship. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Agape Hospice Care.

If you loved Lois, please also extend your warmest gratitude to Leah Burch, whose dedicated care and love allowed Lois to pass peacefully at home with dignity.

Psalm 91

“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High

will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”