Rebecca Jackson, 73, passed away on Friday, April 24, 2026, after a short, yet very brave battle with cancer. Born in 1953, in Oakland, CA, Rebecca was the oldest of 3 children born to HB Jackson and Frances Jackson. From a very early age, she loved reading, writing and learning about family history. Being the studious bookworm, she skipped the 11th grade and was the first in the family to attend college. Attending the University of Nevada and Arizona State University, she not only achieved her undergraduate degree but she also attained a master’s in Anthropology. Having a deep passion for writing and photography, her professional career led her to the media industry, where she dedicated over 30 years to her craft, reporting on news within the Bedford and Smith Mountain Lake communities. She was the recipient of many prestigious awards through the Va Press Association, Landmark Community Newspapers, among many others.
Left to cherish her legacy and memory are her husband, Guenter Muenstedt of Forest; her daughter, Beth Stephens (and husband John) of Tarpon Springs, FL; grandson Hunter (Alex) Trail, Tarpon Springs, FL; her mother, Frances Stinnette of Bedford; stepson, Nick Muenstedt and step grandson, Lincoln Muenstedt, both of Forest; siblings Patty Bates (and husband Eddie) of Sky Valley, CA and Arthur Jackson (and wife Becky) of Roanoke.
While there will be no formal services / arrangements, those wishing to send flowers and/or condolences are encouraged to donate in her name to the Foundation for Women’s Cancer (FWC), a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing public awareness of gynecologic cancer risk awareness, prevention, early detection and optimal treatment.
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.