Donna Gandy

Donna Darlene Howard Gandy
October 5, 1959 – September 1, 2026

Donna Darlene Howard Gandy of Jonesboro, Arkansas, passed away on September 1, 2026, at St. Bernard’s Hospital in Jonesboro, surrounded by the love of those who meant the most to her.

Donna was born October 5, 1959, to Rowland and Marie Guthrie Howard. She was a woman of Baptist faith who carried her love of God throughout her life.

Donna graduated from South Central College in the 1980s and later returned to the college as an instructor. She worked several different jobs throughout her life, but there was one job that meant more to her than any other — being a mom.

Donna loved her three children fiercely. She had a personality all her own, a contagious laugh, and a smile that could light up a room. She wasn’t perfect, and she would probably be the first to tell you that. But one thing was never in question: she loved her family.

Donna especially loved being a Nonna. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren held a very special place in her heart, and she treasured watching her family grow. The memories she made with them, the stories they share, her laughter, her smile, and all those little things that made Donna who she was will continue to live on through them.

Donna is survived by her daughters, Scarlett Yates (Mick) of Jonesboro and Crystal Foley of Calamine, and her son, Brandon Foley of Jonesboro.

She leaves behind her grandchildren, Laney Hulsey, Jorgie Sexton (Walker), Katie Newman (Trey), Raylee Yates, Allie Yates, Brinklee Yates, Seth Foley, Gracie Ray (Charles), and Payden Foley, and her great-grandchildren, Bella, Delta-Rae, Rhett-Dawson, and Colin

She is also survived by her sisters, Glenda (Doyle) Coy of Kentucky and Lois Benson Lanham of Oklahoma, along with numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family, and friends.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Rowland Howard & Marie Dobbs Kellems Thomas; her stepfather, George Dobbs; her great-nephew, Jeremiah Fischer; and her best childhood friend, Beth Hart.

Donna’s life was filled with love, laughter, lessons, memories, and family. She may have had her flaws, but she loved her children fiercely and left pieces of herself in every generation that came after her.

Her family will miss her laugh. They will miss her smile. They will miss simply knowing she was there. Most of all, they will miss the woman they called Momma, Lil Ole Lady and Nonna.

Though her physical presence is gone, Donna’s love will continue to live through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sisters, family, and friends. Her story doesn’t end here — it continues in every memory, every laugh, every family gathering, and every piece of her that she left behind.

The family will host a Celebration of Life for Donna on October 3 at 2:00 p.m. at Woods Chapel Church in Brookland, Arkansas. Friends and loved ones are encouraged to come celebrate Donna’s life and share the memories and stories that made her so special.