Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Trusted Funeral Services in Portsmouth, VA
B.W. B.W. Foster Funeral Home has served families in Portsmouth and surrounding communities since 1954, building on a legacy that began with the S.J. Flynn Company in 1896. Our family-owned business combines generations of expertise with compassionate, personalized service to honor unique traditions and needs. Our licensed funeral directors and experienced staff provide guidance for both immediate arrangements and pre-planning, ensuring cultural, religious, and personal preferences are respected.With facilities in Portsmouth and Suffolk, we offer spacious accommodations for tributes while maintaining an unwavering commitment to community values. Our team actively participates in local organizations, reflecting our deep roots and dedication to the region's residents.
Services
Funeral Arrangements
Cremation Services
Pre-Planning Consultations
Obituary Listings
Grief Support Resources
Transportation Services
Memorial Planning
Veterans Services
Cemetery Coordination
Personalized Tributes
Details
- Year established: 1954
Highlights and features
- Family-owned operation with 70+ years of local funeral service experience
- Licensed directors specializing in cultural and religious tradition accommodations
- Spacious facilities designed for personalized tributes and large gatherings
- Active community involvement through local civic and religious organizations
- Comprehensive pre-planning services to ease future burdens for families
Services
Funeral Arrangements
Our funeral arrangements service provides comprehensive planning for traditional and contemporary memorials. Our directors work closely with families to create personalized tributes that honor cultural, religious, and personal preferences. We coordinate all aspects including venue preparation, officiant communication, and obituary publication.
Cremation Services
We offer dignified cremation services with flexible memorialization choices. Our staff guides families through the process while respecting individual wishes. Services include private cremation viewings, urn selection assistance, and scattering ceremony planning in accordance with Virginia regulations.
Pre-Planning Consultations
Our pre-planning consultations help individuals document future wishes to ease family decision-making. We provide detailed guidance on service options, cost considerations, and legal documentation. This service ensures personal preferences are preserved while offering financial peace of mind.
Grief Support Resources
We provide ongoing grief support through community resources and personalized counseling referrals. Our staff connects families with local support groups and educational materials. This service extends beyond funeral day to assist with long-term emotional healing.
Veterans Services
Specialized services for veterans include military honors coordination, flag presentation, and VA benefit assistance. Our directors understand the unique needs of military families and work with local veteran organizations to ensure proper recognition.
People
Brian P. Foster Sr.
President/Treasurer
A Portsmouth resident since 1976, Brian holds an associate degree in mortuary science. He actively participates in local civic groups and professional funeral service associations while overseeing daily operations.
Shirley W. Foster
Secretary
With 35+ years in mortuary cosmetology, Shirley specializes in preparing female decedents with expert care. A former licensed beautician, she contributes her technical skills and compassionate approach to family services.
Bart T. Foster
Retired Funeral Director
A retired Navy chief hospital corpsman, Bart graduated summa cum laude from Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. He established professional standards during his 54-year career in Portsmouth's funeral service industry.
Rebekah Fox
Manager/Funeral Director
Licensed since 2018, Rebekah graduated summa cum laude from Tidewater Community College's Funeral Service Program. She brings contemporary perspectives to traditional funeral practices while serving the Tidewater area community.
Questions
What funeral services do you offer?
We provide traditional funerals, cremation services, memorial ceremonies, and customized tributes accommodating all cultural and religious traditions.
Can I pre-plan my funeral arrangements?
Yes, we offer comprehensive pre-planning consultations to document your wishes and ease future family decisions.
Do you serve areas outside Portsmouth?
We serve Portsmouth, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Norfolk County, and surrounding Tidewater communities.
Are veterans' services available?
We specialize in military honors coordination, VA benefit assistance, and flag presentation ceremonies for veterans.
What support exists after the funeral?
We provide grief resources and connect families with local bereavement support groups for continued emotional healing.
