Obituary of Donna Jean Beason Pagans

July 28, 1947 — January 17, 2024

Donna Jean Beason Pagans, 76, of Salem, VA, passed away peacefully and went home to be with her Lord in Heaven on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, with her family by her side. She was a kind, gentle, and easy-going soul who loved her family and aimed to help everyone she met.

Born on July 28, 1947, in Salem, VA, she was the daughter of the late William Jackson Beason Sr. and Venice Laprad Beason. Donna was preceded in death by her husband James Russell Pagans Jr., her daughter Amanda Jean Pagans, and her beloved flat coat retriever Barney.

Donna was a graduate of Northside High School and went onto obtain a degree from Virginia Tech in 1969. Donna was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She spent her life taking care of her husband, children, and parents. She was a member of Southview United Methodist Church where she loved to learn and study the Bible.

Donna had immense faith. She loved her family, friends, and pets openly and generously. She enjoyed vacationing with her family at Anna Marie Island and Disney World. Donna loved sitting on the beach and enjoying it with her family. She looked forward to cooking large meals with her family during the holidays. She was a talented seamstress. Donna made family her priority throughout her lifetime —volunteering as a Band Booster during her daughters' school years and later in life attending her granddaughters' dance recitals and shows — never missing a performance.

Donna is survived by her daughter Jenny Cox and Michael Cox, granddaughters Olivia and Lauren Cox, and her loyal flat coat retriever Bentley. Also, surviving are her brothers Bill Beason and wife Pam, Rick Beason and wife Lena, her sister Pat Bryant and husband Dewey, her sister-in-law Rebecca Brooks and husband Michael, along with numerous nephews and nieces.

A celebration of Donna's life will be held at 11:00AM on Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at Simpson Funeral Home at 5160 Peters Creek Road with pastors Jeff Wilson and Warren Carswell officiating. Interment will be private.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Genesis UMC 3539 Peters Creek Road Roanoke, VA 24019.