Dona Taylor

It is with sad heart that the family of Dona Taylor announces her passing on April 16, 2025 in Gainesville, TX.

Dona was born on August 2, 1941, along with her twin sister, Mona, to Homer and Floriece Craig in Mena, AR.

Dona graduated from Mena High School and Ouachita Baptist University, Arkadelphia, AR, with a B.A. degree in Business. She moved to Callisburg, TX to teach business at Callisburg High School. She visited several churches in the area, and one Sunday morning, she visited Temple Baptist Church in Gainesville and the first person she met was the music director, David Taylor. As was in God’s plans, she joined the church, and a year later David and Dona were married. God gave them 59 years of a blessed marriage. In addition to that, God blessed their home with two wonderful children, Kristin and Craig. Then, an added bonus of four grandchildren: twin granddaughters Alexandria and Carolyne, and two grandsons, Taylor and Thomas. What a joy they were to David and Dona’s life! “Mimi” was a cherished title her grandchildren call her.

Dona taught school at Callisburg for two years and then went to work for National Supply Division, Armco Steel. She started as a clerk typist and after a few years was promoted to Supervisor of Sales/Service Department. She got to work there 23 years and 6 months before the plant was completely closed.

Dona then went to work at North Central Texas College, Gainesville Campus. She loved students and particularly the faculty she worked with. This was evident when she was chosen one year as “Employee of the Year.” Dona was not only a hard-working employee, but a loyal employee. She retired from the college at age 80. One of Dona’s assets was her ability to make friends and keep them for years and years.

Dona was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and aunt. Also, she was a devoted Christian who tried to put God first in her life. She loved Temple Baptist Church where she was a member for over 60 years, serving as organist for many of those years.

Dona was preceded in death by her beloved husband, David Taylor; parents Homer and Floriece Craig; parents-in-law Jasper and Laura Taylor; and brother-in-law Ray Turnage.

Dona leaves behind her daughter Kristin Freeman and husband James of Dundas, MN; son Craig Taylor of Rowlette, TX; granddaughter Alexandria and husband John Miske of Pflugerville, TX; granddaughter Carolyne and husband Dakota Sheffield of Carthage, TX; grandsons Taylor Freeman of Northfield, MN and Thomas Freeman of Mankato, MN; twin sister Mona Rodgers and husband Jerry of Apex, NC; sister Janice Turnage of Little Rock, AR; several beloved nieces and nephews; and a host of beloved friends.

A memorial service will be held in the sanctuary of Temple Baptist Church, Gainesville, on Saturday, May 3, 2025. The family will begin receiving friends at 1:00 p.m. and the service will begin at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Temple Baptist Church or a charity of one’s choosing. If an arrangement is ordered, please request it be delivered to Temple Baptist Church.