Donna Beauchamp

After bravely fighting Multiple Myeloma for many years, Donna Hartmann Beauchamp died on October 7th, 2021. She is preceded in death by her mother and father, Robert Frederick and Hilda Thielman Hartmann. Donna is survived by her husband John L. Beauchamp, her daughters Harrison Beauchamp Ashurst (Jim) and Annie Beauchamp Wilder (Bentley), her grandchildren JB and Lulu Ashurst, Hayes, Lee and Ann Wilson Wilder, sisters Debbie Parise (Chris) of Denver and Diane Macke of Indianapolis, sister-in-law Ann Beauchamp Hayes, and nieces Angela Hudgins, Erica Macke, Mershon Bergeron and nephew Beau Parise.

Donna was born in Mount Vernon, Indiana. She was the basketball queen in high school—they don’t have football in Indiana—and was first chair flautist. Donna went on to Indiana University and then the Fashion Institute in Atlanta. She moved to Birmingham and worked for Parisian department stores, where at the age of 25, she ran six Britches and Company stores for the firm. She then became the first cosmetics buyer for Parisian and worked with leaders in the industry, including Ron Lauder, son of Estee, Frank Shields, father of Brooke and Polly Bergen. Donna cut short her career to raise her two girls, Harrison and Annie, and her husband. Donna always said that raising her daughters was much easier than raising Johnny. Donna never slowed down, volunteering for various charitable organizations, including The Festival of Trees benefitting Children’s Hospital, Children’s Art Guild and Birmingham Botanical Gardens. She went on to complete her degree in Interior Design at Southern Institute, graduating with honors. Donna was a member of St Luke’s Episcopal Church and a devoted Alabama football fan. Later in life, Donna delighted in spoiling her five grandchildren and never missed a recital or a ball game.

Donna was the perfect combination of farm girl grit and big city class. She was beautiful, selfless, fun, creative and loved to laugh. She had the ability to make every holiday magical. We will remember her blue eyes and generous smiles. In the words of Jimmy Buffett, “it’s been a lovely cruise.”

A celebration of her life will be held Tuesday, October 12 at Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church. Visitation will be at 3 pm followed by a memorial service at 4 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the St Luke’s Foundation or the John L. and Donna Beauchamp Endowed Scholarship at the University of Alabama, Division of Advancement Box 870122 Tuscaloosa, AL 35487.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ridoutsvalleychapel.com for the Beauchamp family.