Donna Mae (Sears) Elder, age 76, of Bangs passed away from this life after a long battle with ovarian cancer at Hendrick Medical Center in Brownwood on Wednesday, August 25, 2021.
Memorial Services for Donna will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, August 28, 2021, at Blaylock Funeral Home Chapel with Daniel Stovall officiating; private family interment will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Blaylock Funeral Home of Brownwood.
Donna was born on November 29, 1944, to Laura Belle (Pace) Sears Graves and Benjamin Sears in Amherst, Tx. Donna grew up in Amherst and attended Amherst and Littlefield Schools. She attended Isbell Powell’s University of Beauty Culture in Lubbock where she received her Beauty Operator’s License. After a 30-year career as a hairdresser, Donna began working with kids as a Teacher’s Aide for Bangs ISD for 17 years. After retiring from Bangs ISD, Donna spent the remainder of her life chasing her grandkids sporting events, which she loved the most. She loved going to every ball game, and if she couldn’t make the games, she would listen to them on the radio. She loved her many dogs, cats, and horses and loved living her life on the Elder Ranch.
Donna was met at the Pearly Gates of Heaven by her mother, Laura Belle Graves of Bangs; her father, Benjamin Sears of Clyde, New York; her brother, Larry Keith Coleman “Stride” of Ft. Bragg, N.C.; and her sister, Georgeann Coleman Bradner of Richmond, VA.
She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Larry Elder; two sons, Michael Elder of Bangs and ex-wife Sherry Elder, John Elder and wife Jessica of Coleman; stepdaughter, Brandy Johnson and husband Jeremy of Ponder. She had 7 beautiful grandkids, Matthew Johnson of San Angelo, Luke Johnson of Ponder, Sarah Elder and Jacob Elder of Hawley, Katy Jade Elder, Brady Cash Elder and Case Jaxon Elder all of Coleman.
She is also survived by her favorite cousin, Robbie Gronewald and husband Bobby of La Grange, and their son, Scott Gronewald and wife Norma of Cistern; cousin, Nick Gronewald and wife Anna of Kingsland and their son, Henry; cousin, Haley Gronewald of College Station; two beloved nieces, Lori Ann Greene and husband Larry of Richmond, VA, and Kimberly Bradner of Virginia; a grandniece, Samantha Beverly of Virginia; and a grandnephew, Jordan Craighead of Virginia; and many extended family and friends.
Donna was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She was very much loved by all. Let’s play ball!
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Coleman County Youth Sports Complex, (P.O. Box 587, Coleman, TX 76834) in memory of Donna Elder.
Online condolences for the family are welcome at www.blaylockfuneralhome.com.
