Beatrice Frances Quarles Buford

Beatrice Frances (Quarles) Buford of Danville, Illinois transitioned this life on Saturday, August 26, 2023, at 8:56 am surrounded by her loved ones.  She had just celebrated her 92nd birthday.

Beatrice was born on August 1, 1931, in Kellyville (Westville), Illinois to Charles Quarles Sr. and Viola V. (Martin) Quarles.

Beatrice was married to Charles Lucas, John T. White, and Edward Buford.  They all preceded her in death.

She attended Danville Schools, worked at Chanute Air Force Base, and retired in 1976 from the Illiana VA Medical Center.

Beatrice accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age and was a current member of New Life Church of Faith. Before New Life, she served on the Usher Board, Gospel Choir, and Faithful Few Club at Union Baptist Church.

Beatrice enjoyed all music genres, especially gospel and jazz.  She was a vocalist in several music groups, the Gospel Caravans, and the Soul Stirs.  She also named the group her daughter participated in known as the Spiritualettes.

When Beatrice was not reading her Bible, she would spend time looking out the window and expressing her love to the neighborhood children as she watched them play or fed them.  She welcomed all the children to her home.

She leaves to cherish her memories to three sons, Dwight A. (Ivora) Lucas, Sr. of Danville, IL, Keith L. (Jennifer) Lucas of Stafford, TX, and Allen E. Buck (Fiancé, Cathy Lewis-Lillard) of Indianapolis, IN; one daughter, Paulette A. White of Danville, IL; and, one Godson, Aarian J. Foreman.

Fifteen grandchildren: Angela Jones, Dwayne Lucas, Dwight Lucas II, Touy Prater, Lindiwe Lucas, Michael Lucas, Dara Robinson, Tene’ Rogers, Darvick White, Sherry White, Victor White, Jr., Kanedra White, Shawki White, Na’ILah White, and Omari White.

Thirty-two Great-Grandchildren; Nine Great-Great-Grandchildren; Special nieces and nephew: Jacqui (Earl) Minor, Gayle Lucas, Aziza (Timothy) Barnado, and Leslie (Margueritte) Lucas; Special cousins: Roberta Thurman Sorrell and Elizabeth (Fred) Williams; and, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who all loved her dearly.

Beatrice was preceded in death by her parents; three sons, Charles Lamont Lucas, Shelby Thomas White and Victor Raul White; and, one brother, Charles Quarles, Jr.

Her life will always be remembered, and she will truly be missed by all.

A homegoing celebration will commence at 12:00 Noon Saturday September 2, 2023 at New Life Church of Faith 1419 N. Bowman Ave., Danville. Pastor Thomas W. Miller will officiate. A visitation will begin at 11:00 am until the time of the service. 

A open visitation will be held at 1:00 pm until 5:00 pm Friday September 1, 2023 at Leek & Sons Funeral Home 304 E. Williams St, Danville.

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