Elizabeth Bready Koehring passed away on August 18, 2020 in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Beth, as she was known to family and friends, was born November 14, 1935 in Purcellville, Virginia to Elizabeth Nichols Bready, later Corrado, and Robert Isaiah Bready. She was the granddaughter of Joseph and Louise Nichols.
Raised on a dairy farm in Loudoun County, Virginia, Beth loved animals of all sorts, but horses were her passion. She competed in equestrian events from an early age until eventually attending Western College for Women. After college she quickly migrated to New York City, the first love of her life, where she eventually met and later married her late husband of fifty-six years, John W. Koehring. Within months of their marriage in 1961, they moved with USAID to Abidjan, Ivory Coast, in 1962 and so began her career as a Foreign Service spouse and mother. They raised three sons, Joseph, Fritz, and Ralph in the Ivory Coast, Congo-Brazzaville, Paris, New York City, Cameroon, Washington, DC, Kenya, and Sudan.
In retirement, she enjoyed the Adirondack Mountains and the Outer Banks of North Carolina with her children and their families. She was known for her engaging personality, vibrant colors, whimsical socks, and wonderful hats.
Beth is survived by her eldest son Joseph and his wife Wendy, her second son Fritz and his wife Karyn, and her youngest son Ralph and his wife Maryanna. She is also survived by six grandchildren and her dear furry companion, Priscilla, a Bichon Frise.
Beth is remembered as a dear mother, a dedicated wife, a quick friend, and a tireless diplomat.
Due to COVID-19 concerns, the family held a small private graveside service in Hillsboro, VA on Saturday, September 29, 2020.
Memorial contributions may be made to either: Outer Banks Hotline, a crisis intervention and prevention center, which operates five fundraising thrift stores. Proceeds and contributions support the Family Violence Prevention & Services Program, the North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and the North Carolina Coalition Against Sexual Assault. Contributions can be made by mail to the address: 4140 N. Croatan Hwy; Kitty Hawk, NC. 27949. Please include the following note with your contribution: “Contribution is in memory of Elizabeth Bready Koehring, who volunteered at and donated to the Buxton store for many years while a resident of Frisco.” and Hunt Club Boarding Kennel Contributions can made by mail to the following address: 2400 London Bridge Rd.; Virginia Beach, Virginia 23456. Please include the following note with your contribution: “Contribution is in memory of Elizabeth Bready Koehring, who used the facility for her greatly loved Bichon Frise, Priscilla, while a resident of Atlantic Shores.” Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com.
