Mrs. Doris J. Beechum

Doris Jean (Pippens) Beechum, born on November 21, 1941, in Kansas City, MO, passed away peacefully on July 16, 2024, at Sunrise Nursing and Memory Care in Raymore, MO, at the age of 82.
Doris, DJ was beloved daughter of the late Willie and Leola Pippens. She grew up in Kansas City, MO, alongside her brothers, Willie Pippens, Jr., and Leeandrew Pippens, Sr. (Diann). DJ graduated from Lincoln High School in 1959.
Doris married the love of her life, Gerald Beechum, Sr. December 19, 1965, and together they raised three wonderful children: Francine Beechum, Gerald Beechum Jr, and Corrin Frizell (Quinton, Sr.). She was a proud grandmother to Tameka Taylor, FeL'ese Beechum, Quinton Frizell Jr. Sabine Beechum, and Amerie Frizell; great grandmother to Toi Bly, Anthony Taylor, Jr. Darrious Taylor, EL'ese Jackson and KaeDence Jordan and great great-grandmother to Maliyah Fuller.
On a Sunday afternoon in the summer of 1971, DJ repented of her sins and accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior. That same Sunday she was baptized in Lake Wabaunsee, Wabaunsee County, Kansas. Gerald was baptized at the same time as Doris.
She pursued her education at Kansas City Junior College, and Lincoln University where she majored in Business and Music. She was a classically trained soprano vocalist and performed recitals at an early age in Kansas City.
Doris lived in various cities throughout her life, including St. Louis, MO, Lawrence, KS, Washington, DC, Chicago, IL, Hammondsport, NY, Columbia, MO, and finally returning to Kansas City, MO.
Doris passionately supported, encouraged, and joined her husband in various Christian ministry activities until her declining health curtailed that service.
Her employment demonstrated exceptional skills as an administrative or executive assistant for Defense contractors and federal government organizations, where she held a top-secret clearance.
Additionally, she enjoyed dancing, playing cards, making jewelry, shopping, taking care of indoor plants, cooking, and watching crime shows like In the Heat of the Night.
Her commitment to her community was evident through her active involvement with the NAACP Kansas City, Missouri Branch from 1958 to 1964.
Doris received the Harold L. Holliday Sr. Civil Rights Award at the 39th Annual Freedom Fund Dinner in Kansas City, MO, on October 28, 2006, in recognition of her contributions to freedom, justice, and equality.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to a charity of your choice in Doris' name.
A Memorial Services will be held on Sat, Aug 17, 2024, 11am at United Believers Community Church. Services conducted by Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapel. Condolences may be shared on our website.