Deena Beason Hilburn
Deena Sue Beason Hilburn, beloved wife and mother and devoted educator, was born on April 22, 1944, in Harrison, Arkansas, the second daughter of Howard and Georgia (Brown) Beason.
Deena’s early years were spent in Arkansas, where she attended school in Lead Hill. She later moved to Missouri, attended Alberta School, and graduated from Seymour High School in 1961, where she was both a spirited cheerleader and a talented athlete. She shared her musical gifts as a pianist at First Baptist Church in Seymour, where she dedicated her life to Christ. In 1960, Deena was honored as Miss Merry Christmas of Seymour, Missouri, a reflection of her joyful spirit and community pride.
Her passion for learning led her to Drury College in Springfield, Missouri, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Home Economics in 1965. She was an active member of The Beta Epsilon Chapter of Alpha Phi Sorority.
Her teaching career began in Belle Glade, Florida, and continued in the public schools of Tallahassee, where she touched countless lives with her warmth and dedication. Deena was also a trailblazer, chartering the Work Experience Program for Migrant Children in Florida and later serving as a Juvenile Counselor for Palm Beach County.
Deena met the love of her life, Dale Hilburn, in Palm Beach County, Florida, and they were married later that year at First Baptist Church of Marshfield, Missouri by Rev. Neil Moore. Together, they built a life filled with adventure and shared purpose, traveling to Portugal, Spain, Yugoslavia, and across the United States. After Dale’s retirement from the Florida Department of Education in 1985, the couple settled on a farm outside Marshfield, Missouri, embracing a quieter life rooted in nature and family.
Deena was active in her community, serving as President of the Marshfield Ladies League Golf Club and as a proud member of the Marshfield Country Club. She was also a devoted 50-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star.
Deena is survived by her daughter, Nicole Bredbenner and husband Brett; her son, Todd Hilburn; four grandchildren, Kennedy Hilburn, Jack Bredbenner, Kate Ridge and husband Matthew, and Grace Bredbenner; one great grandchild, Aurelia Ridge; one sister, Diana Wright and husband Jamey; and many other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Georgia Beason; her husband, Dale Hilburn; and her brother, John Beason.
Funeral services will be Friday, August 29, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. in Fraker Funeral Home, Inc., Marshfield. Interment will follow in Marshfield Cemetery.
Visitation will be from noon until service time Friday in the funeral home.