Southern Virginia honors the Fausts
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BUENA VISTA, VA.
President James E. Faust, former second counselor in the First Presidency, and his wife, Ruth Wright Faust, were honored posthumously with Southern Virginia University's Leader-Servant Award, the highest honor given by the university.
Each of the Fausts' five children attended and spoke briefly to an audience of more than 500 at a fireside Sunday evening, Nov. 9, on Southern Virginia's campus, where 97 percent of the student body is LDS.
"This evening has great meaning for me, particularly, because I served previously as a member of the board of trustees of this university," said the Fausts' middle child, Marcus, bishop of the Oakton Ward, Oakton Virginia Stake. "The fact that my brothers and sisters are here is a demonstration of how much we love our parents."
The fireside also included a pre-recorded video tribute from Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve.
Jana Faust Coombs praised her father for always honoring women and for making his daughters feel love and respect even when they were young.
"Every day, I think of my parents and I hear their voices in my head repeating the lessons that they tried to teach me," she said.
President Faust served as a General Authority for 35 years, including 12 years in the First Presidency.
He and Sister Faust were married in the Salt Lake Temple on April 21, 1943. He passed away on Aug. 10, 2007, at the age of 87; Sister Faust passed away exactly six months later.
"President and Sister Faust had humble hearts that mirror the attitude of our Savior," said Southern Virginia President Rodney K. Smith. "It is a great honor for us to share this award with their family."
