Funeral services to honor Donna Smith Williams, 68, will be held at 12 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, at First Baptist Church in Leesville, La. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of service. The Rev. John Robert Black and Darrin Worthington will officiate. A private interment will follow under the direction of Labby Memorial Funeral Home of Leesville.

Serving as pallbearers will be Ryland Williams, Brandon Williams, Brock Williams, Logan Mount, Greyden Reese, and Vic Vicknair. Honorary pallbearers will be Lucas Brandon and Brody Brandon.

Donna Smith Williams, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home on Sept. 3, 2024, at the age of 68. She was born on May 21, 1956, in Baton Rouge, La., to Robert and Edna Smith. Her parents, Robert and Edna Smith, preceded her in death.

Donna is survived by her husband of 47 years, Patrick Williams, of Leesville; brother, Rocky Smith and wife, Paula, of Slaughter, La; two children, Jason Williams and wife, Katie, of Lake Charles and Jana Brandon and husband, Luke, of Anacoco; five grandchildren, Ali Mount and husband, Logan, Ryland Williams, Emery Williams, Lucas Brandon, and Brody Brandon; one great-granddaughter, Indie Mount, and several nieces and nephews.

Donna grew up on a farm in Slaughter, La., and enjoyed horseback riding. She was especially fond of her quarter horse, Dodger. Donna was a member of the Methodist church in Zachary, La., and often played piano during church services. In high school, Donna participated in cheerleading and track. In 1974, she graduated from Silliman Institute in Clinton, La., and was thrilled to receive her first car, a red Mustang.

Donna attended college at Northwestern State University, where she was a member of Tri Sigma Sorority. While at Northwestern, she met the love of her life, Patrick Williams. They were married on July 2, 1977, in an outdoor ceremony in Jackson, La. Soon after, Donna completed her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing and began working at Leesville General Hospital. She was passionate about her career and the patients she served. Donna has worked in various settings for over two decades, including the hospital intensive care unit, the public school system, outpatient rehabilitation, and the Senior Circle program for senior citizens.

Amongst her greatest accomplishments was being a devoted mother and grandmother to her children, Jason and Jana, and her five grandchildren. In her spare time, she could be found at baseball, basketball, and football games or dance competitions and dance recitals. Donna enjoyed traveling and joined her daughter on dance trips in Louisiana, Texas, Florida, and as far as London, England. Her favorite pastime of all was shopping. She would spend hours shopping for clothes and shoes. She is rumored to have several closets full of clothes and hundreds of pairs of shoes in her home. She always looked beautiful everywhere she went.

Donna’s dedication extended beyond her family and career. She was committed to her health and fitness, often sharing her knowledge with others. She took great pride in her community and served as a member and past President of the Pilot Club of Leesville, leaving a lasting impact on those around her.

Donna’s life was cut short, leaving a void in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Her memory will forever be cherished, and she will be deeply missed.

We, the family of Donna, extend our heartfelt gratitude to Companion Care of Southwest Louisiana and Hospice of Leesville. Your care, compassion, and kindness during this difficult time were invaluable.

In lieu of flowers, we kindly request that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.