Donna Batson

Donna Rae Batson, 94, of Cleveland, Oklahoma, passed away on Monday, October 9, 2017, at her home.

Donna was born October 28, 1922, in Cleveland, Oklahoma. She was the daughter of Frank Edward and Sarah Margaret (Fish) Thrasher. Donna grew up and attended school in Terlton. Later during her junior year, she moved with her family to Jay, Oklahoma. Donna graduated from Jay High School. Following high school, Donna was united in marriage to Oliver Riley Batson on September 11, 1941, in Chouteau, Oklahoma. Following their marriage, Donna and Oliver moved to Dixie. They remained there until 1949, at that time they moved to their current property. In the early 1980’s, Donna and Oliver built the home she was currently residing.

Donna loved sewing, working in her garden, going to garage sales and cooking. She also spent a significant amount of time picking up pecan and shelling them; giving away hundreds of pounds of fully shelled pecans to her friends and family. Donna spent a considerable amount of time working in her garden; taking the vegetables and fruits canning them for later use as well as sharing them with many. Donna enjoyed finding sewing machines at garage sales. She would often purchase them and fix them to give away or add to her collection.

Survivors are Bobby Batson of Oreana, Illinois, Carl Batson of River Rouge, Michigan, Marsha Porter of Monroe City, Missouri; fourteen grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren, numerous great-great-grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends. Donna was preceded in death by her parents, husband Oliver Batson, two sisters Billie Freeman, Betty Lear; two brothers Frank Thrasher, Jim Thrasher and two sons Leon Batson and Harry "Bill "Batson.

Funeral services will be held 10:00 AM Friday at the Grace Baptist Church with Pastor Bob Elfrink officiating. Burial will follow in the Dixie Bear Creek Cemetery in Cleveland, Oklahoma. The family will receive friends and family on Thursday from 5:00 pm till 7:00 pm at the Chapman-Black Funeral Home. Friends may share a memory with the family at the funeral home or online at www.chapman-black.com.