Onella Reagan

Onella (Beasley) Reagan, daughter of the late Charles Thomas and Vivian Etta (Duda) Beasley was born March 4, 1925, in Gleason, Tennessee, where she grew up and attended school. On February 4, 1955, Onella was united in marriage to the love of her life, John Cashon Reagan, a Navy man, in Memphis, Tennessee. They were blessed with two sons: Michael and Thomas. In her early life Onella was an ambitious hard working young lady. She worked in Tennessee as a union organizer for the International Ladies Garment Workers Union. After she married John and he retired from the Navy, they settled down in Tustin, California and Onella cherished her role as a homemaker. She would go on to later work for many years outside the home as a clerical worker for Hines Wholesale Nursery. John and Onella were looking to retire in Tennessee, however, upon returning to Missouri in 1977 for a family visit, the couple decided to make their new home in the quiet community of Richland where Onella later purchased Richland Floral and Gifts, operating it for many years. Onella had accepted Christ as her personal Lord and Savior at the age of 12 and was baptized. She was a founding member of Cornerstone Baptist Church here in Richland. Onella loved her Lord. She was a very active member, always working where ever there was a need. She played the piano and helped with the bus ministry however, she especially enjoyed working with the kids. Onella will always be remembered for her infectious laugh. She was opinionated, and didn’t mind sharing her thoughts on life. She was a wonderful cook, and was known to make the best chicken, rolls and pies. She loved people, and always opened her home up to them. Onella treasured those times spent visiting with her family, friends, shut-ins and especially her grandchildren. The Lord wrapped his loving arms around Onella, carrying her to her heavenly home the afternoon of Saturday, February 2, 2013. She had attained the age of 87 years, 10 months and 29 days. She will be greatly missed, but never forgotten by all those that knew and loved her. Onella leaves to cherish her memory her two sons: Mike Reagan (Marsha) and Tom Reagan (Robin) both of Richland, MO; 4 grandchildren: Christy Sherrer (Timothy) of Richland, MO, Julie James (Jared) of Raleigh, NC, John Reagan (Krinda) of Fountain Valley, CA, and Matthew Reagan (Whitni) of Richland, MO; 3 great grandchildren: Sawyer Sherrer, Halle James and Carver Reagan; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents, Onella was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John on June 12, 1998; three siblings: Lorraine Ray, R.C. Beasley and Mary Uldall. Funeral services were held at 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, February 6, 2013 in the Cornerstone Baptist Church of Richland with Pastor Chuck Baker officiating. Favorite congregational songs included, “Amazing Grace”, “the Old Rugged Cross”, “It Is Well with My Soul” and ‘I Can Only Imagine”. Serving as escorts were Tim Sherrer, Diz Carver, John Reagan, Doug Warren, Jared James and Matthew Reagan. Burial followed in the Oaklawn Cemetery of Richland. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapel of Richland. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Onella Reagan to the Cornerstone Baptist Church Mission Fund.