Beverly Jean Donaldson

Beverly Jean Donaldson, 78, of Hewitt, Texas, died at home in Conroe, Texas surrounded by her family on September 20, 2023. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at 11:00 AM at Waco Memorial Funeral Home, 6623 Interstate 35 S., Waco, TX 76706.

Beverly, the third of four daughters, was born in Akron, Ohio in 1944 to Edwin Squire and Nellie Madelyn Shaver. Although times were not always easy, her family embarked on adventurous multi-week journeys across the United States. Beverly attended High School in Akron, Ohio before later studying accounting at McLennan Community College in Waco, Texas.

She met the love of her life, Kenneth Edward Donaldson, while on a blind date in 1963. At the time, Kenneth was stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, while Beverly resided in Ohio. Their love story was marked by Kenneth’s dedicated effort, as he hitchhiked back and forth to court her, proving that distance was no obstacle to their deep connection. Excited to start their new lives together, the two were married July 18, 1964, in Ohio. They spent their honeymoon in upstate New York at Niagara Falls.

Beverly and Kenneth couldn’t wait to start a family of their own, eventually having three daughters, Catherine, Karen, and Belinda. Early life was defined by cherished moments spent with extended family, with holidays being a special time of togetherness. Weekends were often dedicated to the relaxation of the lake, where boating adventures created lasting memories. The 4th of July held a unique significance, marking a time for family gatherings and festivities. Family vacations were a highlight at Lake Dale Hollow in Tennessee, serving as a memorable destination for unforgettable trips. As her daughters grew older, Beverly’s interests shifted towards sewing costumes, school projects, and wholeheartedly supporting her children's pursuits in softball, basketball and marching band.  This continued as her six grandchildren grew. Beverly could frequently be found in the stands cheering them on during football, baseball, softball, volleyball, powerlifting and track meets. 

She devoted her time to homemaking and raising three daughters until the late 70’s when she went to work as a seamstress for Waco Apparel. Beverly eventually became a supervisor in production where she remained for 20 years until Waco Apparel closed. Looking for the silver lining, Beverly took advantage of a college tuition program where she received her A.S. degree in accounting with honors. Utilizing her education, Beverly worked in the Finance Department at Big Creek Construction for 10 years until her retirement in 2020.

Beverly moved to an independent living community in Conroe, Texas in 2021 where she found the warmth of community, the solus of faith, and the enduring teachings that reignited her spiritual journey.  

Everyone who knew Beverly knew how much she loved to read. Her passion for reading was so evident that it seemed to breathe life into her. Beverly’s love for books was not just a hobby but a fundamental part of her identity echoing the wisdom of Cicero, an ancient Roman statesman, that “a room without books is like a body without a soul.” In addition to her love for reading, Beverly found joy in crafting Christmas stockings, solving puzzles, engaging in card games, and playing Scrabble. She also enjoyed traveling and during her earlier years, team bowling with her friends.

Beverly was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Edward Donaldson; parents, Edwin Squire and Nellie Madelyn Shaver; and sisters, Patricia Berhend, Betty Reynolds, and Evelyn Shaver.

She is survived by her three daughters, Catherine Coppedge of Sugar Land, Texas; Karen Adkins and husband, Brian, of McKinney, Texas; and Belinda Norden of Conroe, Texas; and her six grandchildren, Sarah Coppedge, Austin Norden and wife, Angelique, Cameron Norden, Makenzie Norden, Darci Norden, and McKeni Adkins.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Leukemia & Lymphoma Society® (LLS) would be greatly appreciated.