Donna Francis Abbott
Beloved sister in Christ, Donna Francis Abbott, known affectionately to all as Donna, was called to her eternal home with the Lord on Jan. 2, 2024. She was a radiant beacon of God’s grace, born on Feb. 5, 1935, in the humble town of Guymon, Okla. Donna’s life was a joyous melody that began in the heartland and came to a peaceful rest in Providence Village, Texas, after courageously facing the trials of dementia and related health challenges.
In this world, Donna was a cherished daughter of Richard Doak Hall and Carrie Mae (Riggan) Hall, and she was guided by their loving hands alongside her seven siblings and their families: James Hall, Lillian, Edith Boston, Sid, Pearl Mehl, Rhiney, Virgie Howard, Art, Ray Hall, Mary and Pat Hall, and Clarence Alvin Ritter. The heavenly choir now welcomes her after goodbyes from her remaining siblings: Virginia Hall, Richard Hall and Bessie Smith.
Her heart found its perfect harmony on June 21, 1956, when she married her beloved Ray Abbott in Wichita, Kan. They danced through life’s symphony together until Ray preceded her in glory in 2017. From their union blossomed a family tree of melodious love: son, Dirk Allen Abbott and his wife, Leta of Hugo; daughters: Julie Ann Davis and her husband, Derek of Providence Village, Texas, Amy Abbott of Dallas, Texas, and Nancy Abbott of Virginia state. Her grandchildren: David, Denny, Brady, Miranda, Chantelle, Kendra, Macy, Ben, Allison, DJ, Anacari, Marie, Jeneva and Sinclair, along with her 13 great-grandchildren, are her living legacies.
Donna’s voice was a vessel of God’s love, nurtured through her education at Texas Women’s University in Denton, Texas, where she earned her Vocal Performance Degree. She cultivated a garden of talent, imparting wisdom and artistry through 13 years of private vocal and piano lessons, touching the lives of many pupils. From the tender age of 8, Donna sang for public audiences, her voice a thread in the tapestry of countless lives. Her devotion to her craft bore fruit in the form of two Gospel albums, and her voice echoed through the halls of churches across America. Her life was a testament to the joy of the Lord. Donna’s hands were never idle, as she pieced together puzzles with the same care she pieced together lives, especially relishing the placement of the “Last Piece.” She became a champion scrapbooker, her artistry celebrated at National Conventions. As a dedicated Bible Study Group Teacher, she nourished the spiritual growth of many, just as she had nurtured the harvest of notes in song. Her soul resonated with every hymn she offered as a singer for the Christian Women’s Club, her ministry spreading far and wide.
Let us find comfort in the knowledge that Donna now sings in the heavenly choir, no longer weighed down by earthly burdens. Her life was a tapestry woven with faith, love, and the joy of music, which she shared generously with all who had the privilege to know her. As she joins the great cloud of witnesses, Donna leaves us with the echo of her melody, a reminder to live harmoniously with love and grace.
We will not say goodbye, but rather, until we meet again, as we hold the assurance that Donna Francis Abbott is now at peace, singing praises with the angels. Her life was a beautiful hymn, a song of love and devotion to her Lord, her family, and her community. Let us celebrate the legacy she leaves behind, a melody that will resonate in our hearts for eternity.
Amen. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024 at the Prater-Lampton-Mills & Coffey Chapel in Hugo. The family will receive friends at the funeral home prior to the service, beginning at 11:30 a.m.
Online condolences can be made at www. praterlampton.com. Funeral arrangements are trusted to Prater-Lampton-Mills & Coffey Funeral Home.
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