Monday, July 23, 2018

My Mom . . . . .

My mom passed away a week ago today . . . July 16, 2018.  I was holding her hand.



Donna Henley, 80, of Eldon, Missouri passed away Monday, July 16, 2018 at her residence in Eldon, Missouri.  She was born January 3, 1938 in Capps, Missouri the daughter of the late James Howard and Flossie (Barton) Hall.  On March 30, 1963 in St. Elizabeth, Missouri she was united in marriage to Robert Henley who survives of the home. 

Other survivors include,
Daughters, Robbin Griffith & husband Billy Paul; Rhonda Bottoms & husband Danny; Renda Fisher & husband Greg.  Grandchildren, Charity Lawmaster & husband Sheldon; Cole Griffith & wife Megan; Case Bottoms; Alex Wyrick & husband Cole; Caragan Fisher & Cade Fisher.  Great Grandchildren, one month old Great Granddaughter, Andersyn Rae Lawmaster &  Great Grandson, Ira Paul Griffith due November 2018.

Siblings, Wanda Chandler; Ronnie Hall; Alicia Atwell; Glenna Gardner; Jimmy Hall & wife Donna; Diane Blankenship & husband Fred; Kathy Willey & husband Dennis
Sisters in law, Rayma Jean Elrod & husband Gene; Ruby Dean Binkley
And many, many nieces & nephews.

Donna was a 1956 graduate of St. Elizabeth High School.  She and her sister, Glenna Gardner were the first female entertainers to perform on Lee Mace’s Ozark Opry.  She owned the Longhorn Café from 1971-1975, and the Burger Castle both located in Eldon, MO.  Donna was a very talented singer and musician, playing the mandolin, bass fiddle and guitar.  Her other hobbies included enjoying time with her children and grandchildren and spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ as a licensed minister. 

Visitation will be Wednesday, July 18, 2018 from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Phillips Funeral Home of Eldon, MO.  Funeral Service will be Thursday, July 19, 2018 at 10:00 AM also at Phillips Funeral Home with Pastor Chris Reynolds & Pastor Ron Boyer officiating.  Interment will follow at the Eldon City Cemetery.

Memorials in her name are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

6 comments:

  1. Robbin, Sending hugs and condolences to you. I have thought of your mother as she has been in my prayers. She's at peace and forever in your hearts. Blessings to you and yours, xoxo, Susie

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    1. Thank you. It has been the most difficult time in my life. I am thankful she is no longer suffering, but oh, my, how I miss her. Bless you Susie.

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  2. Robbin, I am sorry to hear about your mom. It's such a difficult time when we lose our parents. May God comfort you as only He can.
    (I had wondered how she was doing as we pulled into the Houston/MD Anderson medical area on July 20 for a family member's surgery; I remembered you had made trips there.)

    Hugs!

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    1. Thank you Diana. It has been the most difficult time of my life. God promised to sustain me, and He will. But oh how I miss her.

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  3. I had to put off reading this. My heart is just breaking for you and I had to put it off because I know how sad things are. I lost my grandma to that horrible disease and my grandpa 9 months later to the same. And while I know it sucked holding her hand when she left this world... that's the most awesome thing in the world.

    When my grandpa passed away my mom didn't want me to drive to my aunts to see him. She didn't want me to remember him that way but there was no stopping me and I told her that. I pointed out I paid for my car, I bought my own gas, and I paid my own insurance. She had no say in where I went or what I did. My dad went with me. We drove 5 1/2 hours down, saw him for a couple hours, and drove home. He passed away that night. It was like he was waiting for me.

    I guess I say that because while I know it was so hard to see her that way... that's so awesome for you and for her that you were there. And I'm balling my eyes out right now for you. I'm so sorry and I never know what to say during these times, especially because I'm sorry seems so vague... but I truly am!

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    1. Thank you Nicole. I appreciate you so very much. Yes, it was horrible, and awesome at the same time being there when she took her last breath. I miss her beyond what I can describe. I still cry every day, and probably will for a long long time. The thought of my life going on without her is more than I can take sometimes. I am so thankful my mom knew Jesus and is in heaven. Knowing I will see her again someday is a comfort. Thank you dear friend.

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