Eileen Littleton Byman, age 88, departed this life on August 6, 2022 to join the Savior she loved. She died peacefully at home, having spent her last days surrounded by her loving family.
Eileen was a native of Cumbria, England, the seventh of eight children born to Robert and Margaret Littleton. She was raised in a small farming community, but moved to London to study nursing at St. Bartholomew’s Hospital. She practiced nursing briefly in England before departing in 1958 to travel the world and practice nursing overseas, first in Canada, then in the United States. While working in Long Beach, California, Eileen met William Byman, then a junior naval officer; they were married in 1960. Together, Eileen and Bill enjoyed 62 years of marriage, living in Japan and near naval bases across the United States before settling in Virginia Beach, where they would retire.
Eileen and Bill loved to travel. In addition to where the Navy took them, they visited many places throughout the United States together, as well as making several trips to Europe and touring China, Australia, and New Zealand.
Eileen was very proud of her three sons: Michael Byman, Captain, U.S. Navy, Retired; David Byman, Commander, U.S. Navy, Retired; and Eric Byman, Medical Doctor. She also took delight in her six grandchildren. Eileen was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a long-time member of Virginia Beach Community Chapel, the church she attended for forty five years; she served in children’s and hospitality ministries, and in outreach to international students.
Eileen’s life will be celebrated at a memorial service at Virginia Beach Community Chapel (1261 Laskin Road, Virginia Beach) on Saturday, September 10, 2022 at 2:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to support outreach to international college students via Global Friendship Ventures, online at globalfriendshipventures.org or by calling 757-589-0317.