Obituaries

Donna Lea Blaylock

Photo of Donna Lea Blaylock
Donna Lea Blaylock, 78, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 9, 2016 at her daughter's home in Benton, Ark. after a 12-month battle with cancer. Donna was born September 22, 1937, in Mulberry, to the late Chester R. and Ora L. Hendrix. Donna had the most glorious voice. She sang in church and school as a teen and was voted most talented in high school. Donna graduated from Mulberry High School and attended Arkansas Tech in Russellville. Her love of music continued throughout her life. She sang in the Alma United Methodist Church choir for more than 20 years and delighted the congregation with solo performances, as well. Donna worked as an Executive Secretary in the Sales Department of Arkhola Sand & Gravel in Fort Smith for 33 years. She helped all the Arkhola salesmen in Fort Smith, Fayetteville, Little Rock and Oklahoma keep up with the demands of the job. "Her guys" as she called them were like family to her and their families were her family, too. Donna loved to travel throughout the country, but her favorite place was the beach. She was a big Razorback fan and a wonderful cook and hostess. She took great pleasure in decorating her home for every holiday. Donna is survived by her husband of 28 years, Warren D. Blaylock of Alma; a daughter, Dalana Lea Nugent of Benton; a son, Bill Hendrix Byers and wife Stephanie of Rogers; a sister, Pam Epperson and husband Thomas of Mulberry; her grandsons, Michael Nugent and wife Candice of Benton, Bill (LB) Hoffman Byers, Max and Reese Lucas and JD Ford all of Rogers; and two great-granddaughters, Zoey and Katelyn Nugent of Benton. Warren's children became Donna's children, too, in 1988. Donna is also survived by a step-daughter, Lucinda DeBruce and husband Lane of Houston; a step-son, Darrell Blaylock of Siloam Springs, and a number of other relatives and close friends. A service of remembrance will be 10 a.m. Friday, July 15, 2016 at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home Chapel with interment to follow at Hight Cemetery in Mulberry, under the direction of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home of Van Buren, Ark. Rev. Daniel Thueson will be officiating, and Rev. David Swift assisting. Pallbearers will be Brent Riggins, Bill McCorkle, Robin Kuykendall, Shannon Perkins, Michael Smith, and Barry Sharp. Honorary pallbearers will be Pat Widders, David Byers, and Tommy James. The family will visit with friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 14, 2016, at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home, 4100 Alma Highway, Van Buren, Ark. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alma First United Methodist Church Choir, 415 Short Street in Alma, 72921. To place an online tribute, go to www.edwardsvan-alma.com.

Published July 13, 2016

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