Obituary of Minota Midkiff Beckner

On Thursday, December 30, 2020, Minota Midkiff Beckner, 94, beloved mother and grandmother was welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven.

Minota was preceded in death by her parents, William Lee Midkiff & Pearl Bailey Midkiff, brothers William Lee Midkiff Jr and James Mason Midkiff, husband, Vaughan Shelburne Beckner, daughter, Phyllis Ann Beckner and grandson Dustin Allen Beckner.

Minota was born May 28, 1926, in Matoaka, West Virginia.  Growing up in the heart of coal mining country during the depression she lived a rugged and sometime harsh life that never dampened her inherent tenderness and sensitivity to others.  She came to Roanoke at age 20 and worked at the newsstand inside the N&W train station.  Minota went on to work at the Williamson Road Photo Shop where she met Shelburne, her partner in life. They married December 7, 1946 and together raised four children.

Anyone who had the opportunity to know Minota was taken in by her sweet smile and quiet friendliness; she never had a bad word to say about anyone, only looked for the good in people and loved to laugh.   She had a lifelong personal relationship with her savior, Jesus Christ, and was a charter member of Trinity Lutheran Church.

Minota leaves behind four children, Norma Leigh Beckner, Arthur Curtis Becker(Elizabeth), James Edward Beckner, Joy Elizabeth Bishop(Stanley), all of Roanoke; four grandchildren, Brandy Michelle Ortz (Mike),  Huntington Beach CA, Jason Michael Beckner (Jennifer), Abingdon MD,  Derek Matthew Beckner(MaryBeth), Gainesville  VA, and Sarah Elizabeth Bishop, New Orleans LA; five great-grand children, Stella, Scarlett, Sadie, Hunter and Warren. Minota also leaves behind her best buddy, Sammie, the cat.

Her family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Carrington Cottage in Daleville for their unwavering dedication to the health and comfort of their mother, especially during this difficult time of quarantine.

A graveside service for the family will held 2:00 p.m. Monday, January 4, 2021 in Sherwood Memorial Park with Vicar Luke Swanson officiating.  Friends may attend the service via live stream.  The live stream will be available at 1:55 p.m.  You may access the live stream by visiting www.simpsonfuneral.com and clicking on the Facebook logo.  A celebration of Minota's life will be held later in the year when appropriate.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, 4040 Williamson Rd, Roanoke VA 24012.

Arrangements by Simpson Funeral Home.  366-0707