Beatrice M Donley

Mother Beatrice Donley, 81, was born on September 29, 1938 to Robert Johnson Sr. and Mary Lee Johnson in Kansas City, Missouri.  She was the eighth child of the twelve children. Her parents and eight siblings preceded her in death.  

She attended Lincoln High School and received her cosmetology license from William’s House of Beauty.    

On August 3, 1957 she united in marriage to her devoted husband of fifty-five years, William Donley, Sr. (preceded her in death), with whom she longed to be reunited.  To their union three children were born, Cecilia Dianne, William Lewis, Jr. and Quintin Eugene Donley, Sr. She later adopted Estella Francis and was a mother figure to many, many extended children.

Mother Donley worked for Fashionbuilt for 12 years doing one of the things she loved, sewing.  In 1981, she owned and operated Three D’s Hair Care Salon with her family until 2004.  

Mother Donley accepted Christ at an early age at Greater Holy Temple Church of God in Christ under the leadership of the late Bishop C.N. Rucker where she served in many capacities such as a Sunday School Teacher, Sunshine Band Leader, Choir Director, as well as Hospitality Worker.  In addition, she taught sewing, cooking and crafts to elementary in the Kansas City School District.  After sixteen faithful years of membership at Greater Holy Temple she and her family acknowledged the voice of God and went over to help Elder W.B. Henderson.  She left Greater Holy Temple with a letter and blessings from her Pastor, Bishop Rucker.

Proverb 31:13 says “She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.”  Ms. Bea’s cooking was well known throughout the city.  Her famous homemade rolls, popcorn balls, corn pudding, pound cake and rice crispy treats would keep one longing for more.  She also took pride in her appearance.  She coordinated her apparel with her handmade hats, glasses and jewelry.  One of her favorite things was family dinner.  Her prayer was often “Lord, make us one.  Lord, make us one.  Lord, make us one big happy family.”  She was truly the epitome of a Proverbs 31 woman.

She departed this earthly life for her heavenly home on Sunday, January 19, 2020.

She leaves to cherish her memory four children, Cecilia Dianne Donley, William Lewis, Jr. (Michelle), Quintin Eugene Donley, Sr. (Andrea) and Estella Francis Rosa-Donley; one brother, Ramon Johnson (Monica); two sisters, Dorothy Lee Hall and Bernice Frazier; ten grandchildren, five great grandchildren, two god-children, and extended children who honored and respected her along with other relatives and friends.

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