Donna Beasley

Donna Bonita Beasley (Knight), beloved wife, mother and grandmother, completed her journey on earth and joined her Heavenly Father on March 1, 2017, while surrounded by family. Donna was 81 years old at the time of her passing. Donna was born on August 8, 1935 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the oldest child of Paul and Neva Knight. Donna lived her entire life in Tulsa until her beloved husband, Judge B.R. Beasley, retired from the bench in 2000. Donna and Bill then moved to the countryside, just outside Claremore, Oklahoma. Donna graduated from Central High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma. During her junior year, Donna met the love of her life, Bill Beasley, at a Young Life Meeting, a high school Christian organization. After graduating from high school, Donna and Bill were married on September 3, 1954 at Boston Avenue Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Donna and Bill celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary shortly before Bill's passing on January 3, 2015. Donna was active in a number of activities. In 1953, Donna was named "Miss Tulsa". Donna was a secretary and administrative assistant prior to the birth of her children. As with everything Donna did, she did so with excellence and style, including her exceptional skill at taking shorthand dictation. Donna also served as President of the Tulsa County Bar Auxiliary. She loved to sing and rarely encountered a crossword puzzle she couldn't conquer. Donna and Bill were blessed with three children: Brad, Brenda and Barry. After her children were born, Donna became a stay-at-home Mom. Her children (and later in life, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren) always came first. Donna was active in PTA, scouting, and a constant cheerleader at her children's and grandchildren's activities. No one could have wished for a better Mother or Grandmother. After her children were grown, Donna rejoined the work force at State Bank (now Arvest) and quickly worked her way up to branch manager. Following Bill's retirement, Donna and Bill enjoyed the solitude of country living while spending time with family and friends. Donna was an outstanding cook (except when it came to green beans). She did not take any shortcuts. Everything was made from scratch and done the right way. Like her cooking, Mom and Gram always was a source of comfort. Donna was a devout Christian and a long-time member of Will Rogers United Methodist Church. She sang in the choir, was active in Sunday School and always a member of one or two Bible study groups. Donna lived her life by her Christian principles and was an example to all of a Christ lived servant. Donna embodied love, acceptance, joy, kindness, compassion, strength, warmth and elegance. She was the pillar for her family. Donna was blessed with a loving family. Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Paul Knight and Neva Lewis, her step-father Donald Lewis, her father-in-law, O.R. Beasley, her sister Sonja Knight, her sister-in-law Rebecca Hamilton, and by a few hours, her son Barry Beasley. Donna is survived by her son, Brad Beasley, her daughter Brenda Rackleff and husband Jim, mother- in-law Willie Beasley, brothers-in-law Robert Beasley and Richard Hamilton, Grandchildren Jeff, Jason and wife Kimi, Brittany, Chase, Brooklin and Brianna, Great-Grandchildren Cavan, Caleb, Jaxon, Remington and Kenadie, her beloved dog Waylon, and many wonderful friends. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Will Rogers United Methodist Church or the German Shepherd Rescue Foundation. Visitation/Viewing: Monday, March 6, 2017 6-8:00 p.m. at Moore's Southlawn, 9350 E. 51st, Tulsa, OK. Service: 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 7, 2017 at Will Rogers United Methodist Church, 1138 S. Yale, Tulsa, OK. Interment: Memorial Park Cemetery. Moore's Southlawn 918-663-2233 share memories at www.moorefuneral.com

Donna Beasley

August 8, 1935 - March 1, 2017