Elizabeth Jane Price

Elizabeth (Betty) Jane Birkhimer Price, 78, of Chesapeake, Virginia formerly of Brighton, IL, and Palestine, IL, died on December 26, 2012 at Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital in Virginia Beach, VA. Born in Robinson, Illinois, she was the daughter of the late Dr. Robert O. and Uliss M. (Miller) Birkhimer. She graduated from Palestine High School. She married Charles David Price on April 4, 1953 in Palestine, IL. He preceded her in death in 1990. She was a co-owner of D&M Cleaning Service from 1978 €' 1990, along with her husband of 37 years. She was also active in the Brighton Betsy Ann Volunteer Fire Department, where she was one of the first of two certified female Firefighter III€™s in the state of Illinois. In addition to her firefighting service, she also served as a dispatcher and matron for the Brighton Police Department, and was a school bus driver in both Palestine and Southwestern School Districts.Surviving are her four sons, CAPT. MSC USN (Ret.) David E. Price (Bette) of Chesapeake, VA, Steven R. Price (Peggy) of Alton, IL, Michael R. Price (Molly) of Brighton, IL and SK2 USN John J. Price (Tammy) of Dallas, GA; 12 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Also surviving is her loyal companion dog of many years, Oliver. Her brother Gene Birkhimer and granddaughter Alyss preceded her in death. The first memorial service was held at 2:00 pm on Saturday January 19, 2013 in Oak Grove United Methodist Church, 472 N. Battlefield Blvd., Chesapeake, VA 23320. The remaining memorial services will be in Brighton, IL on Saturday, March 16, 2013 and graveside services will be held in the Palestine Cemetery, Palestine, IL on March 18, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. The Goodwine Funeral, Palestine is in charge of the graveside services. Condolences may be sent to the family at or to . Memorial donations may be made in Betty€™s name to the Brighton Betsey Ann Volunteer Fire Department.