Nell Dean “Deanie” Reed Beaver, 95, of Amarillo, TX died Saturday morning, April 23, 2022.
Services will at 10:00 am, Saturday, April 30, 2022, at the Llano Cemetery Mausoleum Chapel, with Chaplain Kevin Clowe of Ware Living Center officiating. There will be a short visitation period followed by the service. Burial will be in Llano Cemetery.
Mrs. Beaver was born March 14, 1927 in Amarillo. The youngest of four daughters born to William Penson and Esther (Carter) Reed, she graduated from Amarillo High School in 1945. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sisters: Zenobia Leon “Nobie” Bradford, Margaret Louise West, and Mary Esther Whitfield. She was a member of Covenant Fellowship Church, formerly San Jacinto Methodist Church, where she attended the Heritage Sunday school class.
Mrs. Beaver began working for Pioneer Natural Gas (now Atmos Energy) in 1957 and retired after 30 years of service. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi since 1948 and the Chapter Sweetheart in 1989. She was also a member of Eastern Star since 1958, Daughters of the Nile since 1988, and a charter member of Khiva Honored Ladies.
Her husband Haskell Smith Beaver Jr., whom she married on Dec. 10, 1948, in Amarillo, preceded her in death in 2005.
Survivors include five nieces, Judith Whitfield Freund (Karl) of Pflugerville, TX, Janice Whitfield Matthews (Bob) of Dayton, OH, Delores Bradford Eller of Bellevue, NE, Thurlene West Madison (Jim) of Amarillo, TX, Susan West Shew (Pat) of Tucson, AZ; one nephew, William “Bill” Whitfield (Christie) of Easley, SC; and many great-nieces and great-nephews. Her loving devotion and care will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
The family suggests memorials be made to “Shriners Children’s Texas” hospital, in care of Khiva Shrine, PO Box 328, Amarillo TX 79105. Donations by credit cards may also be made at Khiva Shrine by phone Monday through Friday from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm at: (806) 373-2845.
Deanie has been many things to everyone over the years; a trusted friend, loving sister, adoring wife, confidant, a loved one. And even though she and Haskell never had any children, I always felt like an honorary daughter. For only a beloved great aunt can love you like a mother, keep secrets like a sister, behave like a true friend and set you straight if you need it!
I have always had a special bond with Great Aunt Deanie, as a kid I couldn’t wait to visit her. My brother and I would play for hours at her apartment’s pool and listen endlessly to the stories that her and Uncle Haskell would enthrall us with each visit. On one such trip I was in awe of her long red nails. So I asked her if she could paint my nails just like hers. Of course, knowing me and my current thumb sucking situation, she cleverly proclaimed that only ladies who don’t suck their thumbs could wear nail polish. Well gosh darn it, then so be it! I stopped sucking my thumb that very minute. Nothing would deter me from nails like my Great Aunt Deanie!
Deanie also loved to introduce me to her friends and colleagues. A couple times she took me to her work and showed me around. Everyone would always remark how much I looked like her…with our blue eyes, dark hair and height. The funny thing is Deanie may have only been 5’6″ or so…but she appeared 6 ft tall! Maybe it was her jet black beehive hairstyle or the fact that you just couldn’t help but notice her when she entered a room, either way she was larger than life. She never failed to charm the socks off anyone she met with her clever conversations, warm wit and humor. You just couldn’t help but take notice and look up to her.
I loved talking and listening to Deanie. She could carry on a conversation about anything! I was constantly amazed at how easily she could flow from one topic to the next, never missing a beat, always insightful and funny and opinionated! The woman was never at a loss for words! Deanie took an interest in everyone around her. She asked about us, the kids, our lives…she was invested like that in her family. Always fretting or worrying over me, just like a mom would. Making sure I was taking care of myself, praying that I wouldn’t break a bone in my soccer match or declare exasperatedly why on earth would I jump out of a perfectly good plane to skydive? And of course being there with words of wisdom and hope when I was at the lowest points in my life.
When Uncle Haskell passed, I could only imagine her grief. From that moment on I called her every year on Haskell’s birthday. I wanted her to know she wasn’t alone and just because he was gone he was not forgotten, and that I loved her. I would also call or send her an occasional card or flowers on Mother’s day.
I know I am not alone in the wave of emotions that have flooded me this week. Even though I am deeply saddened at the passing of my favorite Great Aunt, she is finally at peace and reunited with her beloved husband and sisters. Love and miss you Great Aunt Deanie! I know you will always be watching over me, until I see you again.
Your loving great niece (honorary daughter),
Christina Marie Freund Malek
Deanie was a dear friend and neighbor. She is missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.