Obituary: Donel (Tuda) Lou Beckford, 79, Of Stratford

STRATFORD, CT — (From West Haven Funeral Home): Donel (Tuda) Lou Beckford, transitioned this life on April 22, 2023, at Yale New Haven Hospital. She was born on May 29, 1943, in Adairville, Kentucky to Minnie Lou Taylor and Joseph Thomas.

Donel graduated from Central high school located in Bridgeport, CT. After high school, she continued her love of sewing and began working as a professional seamstress and then became a Certified Nurse’s Aide up until she retired. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, reading, gardening, and watching Westerns including old romantic movies. Additionally, she loved having deep cerebral political conversations.

Donel is predeceased by her parents along with a brother, Charles Grady Sr., and two sisters, Betty Taylor and Harriet (Puddy) Dickerson. She is survived by her daughters Dr. Tammy Hanna and Candice Beckford-Wells (Jason); her grandchildren, Niece Hanna, Kaya Wells, and Jadon Wells. Additionally, Donel is also survived by her brother Walter (Field) Taylor and her sister Loretta (Retta) Cummings along with a host of nieces, nephews, and very close friends.

A memorial “Walk With Me” will be held at Boothe Memorial Park Rose Garden on Saturday, May 13, from 1-3 p.m. Interment will take place in Townsend Grove Cemetery of Russellville, Kentucky at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, a donation on behalf of Donel may be made to the Scleroderma Foundation by visiting www.scleroderma.org.

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit West Haven Funeral Home here.