Donna Marie Bedford

Donna Marie Bedford, 70, passed away on Friday, July 24, 2026, peacefully at home in Sun City, Arizona after a brief illness. She was born in Rockford, Illinois, daughter of Clyde Bedford, Sr. and Theressa Bedford on Wednesday, January 25, 1956. Donna lived in Rockford, Illinois until relocating to Phoenix, Arizona in 2016. She attended Auburn High School and graduated in 1979 from Rockford Public Schools and continued her education at Rock Valley College and the Altamore School of Cosmetology. Donna was a dedicated member of her community, serving as a foster parent for many years. Throughout her career in both Rockford and Arizona, she held positions at Lutheran Social Services, Swedish American Hospital, Carson Pirie Scott, Abrazo Arrowhead Hospital, and Banner Boswell Medical Center, holding positions in home healthcare, administrative clerk and environmental services. She was an active member of Real Life Ministries in Surprise, AZ, where she served on the facilities committee and participated in Club 55 and Lifted Women’s ministries.

Donna leaves to cherish many loving memories, honorary mom, Jean Marshall of Rockford, Illinois; two daughters, DeWana (Craig) Bailey of Cincinnati, Ohio and LaTheresseea Bedford of Chicago, Illinois; honorary son, Charles (Cecilia) Lockett, Phoenix, Arizona; two siblings, brother, Clyde Bedford, Jr. of Rockford Illinois and sister, Debra Bedford of Lexington, Kentucky; honorary sisters Janet Wilkins Clark of Rockford, Illinois and Leonze Love of Frisco, Texas; six grandchildren, Anthony Sago, Jr., Alyssea Sago, Shaw’Nee Clanton, Kayla Davis, De’Lano Clanton and Sha’Den Clanton; 14 great grandchildren; Ra’Nyah Clanton, Ava Spencer, Omar Sago, Alan Davis, Vo’Vah Clanton, Ammar Sago, August Grissom, Asiyah Sago, Za’Nyla Clanton, Akeem Sago, Aria Grissom, Legend Clanton, Alivia Grissom, and Shaw’Nee Clanton, Jr; aunts, Mary Allen Jackson of Joliet, Illinois and Shirley Thompson of Rockford Illinois; uncle, Calvin Simmons of Arkansas; best friends, Janet Wilkins Clark, Leonze Love and Elizabeth Brown; god daughters, LaGina Marshall and Janessa Neal; Special niece, Vernetta Bedford-Wells; a host of relatives and friends.

She was predeceased by both parents, Clyde Bedford Sr. and Theressa Green; brothers Mark E. Bedford, Gregory Bedford; nieces Shellin and Mercedes Chandler; nephew, Carl Knight; aunts, Ann Elliott, Della Mayhorn and Icy Bryant; uncles, Clint and Luther Bedford.

Arrangements and private service held in Phoenix, Arizona. A Celebration of Life will be held from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Veterans Memorial Hall, 211 N. Main Street, Rockford, Illinois 61101.

For those wishing to contact the family, please email [email protected].  Your kindness and remembrance are greatly appreciated.  Floral arrangements are welcome, and living plants are especially cherished.