A Life Remembered
Obituary
Donna Kay Benefield, 66, of Orange, Texas, passed away on April 27, 2026, at St. Lukes in Houston.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, May 2, 2026, at First United Methodist Church in Orange, Texas. Officiating will be Reverend T.J. Gabelman of First United Methodist Church in Orange, Texas.
Visitation will begin prior to the service at 10:00 am, Saturday, May 2, 2026, at First United Methodist Church in Orange, Texas.
Born in Beaumont, Texas, on June 5, 1959, she was the daughter of Catherine and Cecil Allen. Donna retired from teaching at LCM after 35 plus years. She was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church in Orange and sang in the praise band and choir. Donna was passionate about music and loved her family dearly. She was a devoted mother, beloved sister, as well as a loving Nana. Being a Nana wasn’t just a role she held-it was the way she lived. She filled her days with school runs, sidelines, and stages. She wrapped them in a love that was constant, selfless, and deeply felt. They were the center of her world. Donna never met a stranger and was a friend to everyone. Her laugh was infectious, and her smile lit up the room. Her love and legacy will live in all who knew her.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Catherine and Cecil Allen; her loving husband of 43 years, Ricky Benefield; and her in-laws, Huey and Bettye Benefield.
She is survived by her children, Hillary Jeanis and husband Lucas and Keely Mason and husband James, all of Orange, Texas; grandchildren, Olivia Jeanis, Noah Jeanis, and Jaxen Mason; siblings, Chris Allen and wife Annette and Cindy Reynolds and husband Craig all of Orange, Texas; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and loving family and friends.
Honorary pallbearers are Chris Benefield, Michael Benefield, Matthew Benefield, Jordan Allen, Clay Bourgeois, Lucas Jeanis, Greg Jeanis, James Mason, Jonathon Breuer, and Tyler Worthy.
Cremation will be held under the direction of Claybar Funeral Home.
Service Details
Gatherings in remembrance
Visitation
Saturday, May 2, 2026
· 10:00 AM
– 11:00 AM
First United Methodist Church
502 North 6th Street, Orange, TX, 77630
Memorial
Saturday, May 2, 2026
· 11:00 AM
First United Methodist Church
502 North 6th Street, Orange, TX, 77630
Messages of Love
From family and friends
Sandy Lorfing Newton
May 2, 2026
To Ricky and all of the family, I am very sorry to read about Donna's passing. She was a beautiful lady inside and out! I know she will be so missed. With thoughts and prayers for you all.
Joe Lucia
May 2, 2026
I send my deepest condolences to the family. I went to Stark High with Donna and Ricky and graduated together in the same class. God Bless 🙏
Myra Sanders
May 2, 2026
Donna was the type of woman that loved everyone she met, and everyone loved her. She will be so missed by her family & friends. Thankful for her love of Jesus, so we know we will see her again.
Charlotte Cooper Liles
May 1, 2026
So saddened to hear of Donna's passing. She will be missed by many. She had a beautiful smile and her laugh was contagious. Such a sweet soul. Sending our love and prayers of comfort for her family.
The George and Hallmark Family
May 1, 2026
We are so sorry for your loss of a truly wonderful sister, mother, Aunt, Nana and a friend to so many. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all and we pray your precious memories of Donna carry you through the days and weeks ahead. Love, Terry and Lance George and Amanda and Chad Hallmark
Pamela Benefield Seastrunk
April 30, 2026
I will forever be full of sorrow, grief, and
tears regarding your passing. You were
a true joy to be around, talk with, and live part of my life with in our family. I considered you a sister I never had, since
I knew you from the time I was 8 yrs old,
and riding my bike to your house to play
Barbies, babydolls, & front yard games with you & Cindy. And, then you married my brother, Ricky, years later to become
a forever part of my family. I’m going to miss you as a sister, friend and genuine
confidante in the days ahead. You were such a pleasure to be around for over half a century. I thank God he brought you into my life. You were one in a million!
The BEST daughter, sister, wife, teacher,
artist, vocalist, mother, friend, student, chef, gardener, nurturer and listener this world of mine has ever known. It has been such a pleasure sharing my life with you, Donna. And, thank you for the laughs and memories.
Anita Lindsey Lake
April 30, 2026
Oh my Sweet lifelong friend. I will definitely miss texting you on your birthday every year. You would always spend it at the beach. So many wonderful memories there with your whole family. Your beautiful voice will be a wonderful addition to all of the Angels already there.
You taught Love, Kindness and Belief in the Lord to everyone you met. Prayers and Sweet Memories to the whole family. I know our Moms are both wrapping you in their arms. Rest in Heaven Donna.
Love You.
Authum & Michael
April 30, 2026
Our prayers & thoughts are with you all. Love Authum, Michael, Yoda & Bull
Lisa Martin
April 30, 2026
I am so sorry . Unbelievable. A great loss to everyone. She was an amazing teacher, friend and colleague. She will be missed by me but by many . She touched the lives of so many kids and will have a great reward for how many she taught .
Sherry Manke
April 30, 2026
Sending my most sincere condolences to all of her family and friends for the loss of a truly wonderful human being. Her laughter and smile were infectious and her energy unsurpassed. We were all lucky to have been in her company, gain her insights to help our students and enjoy her sense of humor. She left us with some precious memories.
Patricia Carlton
April 30, 2026
I have a lot of fond memories working with Donna. When I was at MVE. Remember all the happy memories you all shared with her. She’s with Rick now . God will welcome her with open arms.
Charlee Gearen
April 30, 2026
I was somewhere around my daughter’s age when this beautiful soul entered into my life I’m so thankful to have known her and so happy to have this picture to always remind me of her! She was and is very loved and will absolutely be missed by more than many!
Sandra Winstead
April 30, 2026
This post is such a heartbreak for you to lose your beautiful sister and best friend so soon. My prayers for peace to you and family. RIP Donna.
Mary Grissom
April 30, 2026
I’m praying for the whole family. I was blessed to teach a few years with Donna. God bless y’all!
Peggy West
April 30, 2026
O Loving Father, Source of all life, please accompany dear Donna Your servant, from this earth, to the Kingdom of heavenly peace, rest and eternal life that You have prepared for her. God be with her.
Christy and Wes Landers
April 30, 2026
We will all miss you so much, Donna. Thank you for everything you gave to us and your students over the years.
Love Christy and Wes Landers
Suzanne Rea
April 29, 2026
To Donna's precious family I send my heartfelt condolences to you all. May the God that she knew so well wrap his loving arms around you. What a precious friend, gone too soon. Cindy, my prayers are with you as you navigate this deep loss. I will be praying for you without ceasing.
Melissa Kirksey
April 29, 2026
So sorry for yalls loss of this sweet lady. May God be with each of you in this difficult time 🙏
Samantha Ziller
April 29, 2026
May God lift this family up and help them through these difficult times of loss of their loved one.
Beth Mason
April 29, 2026
Our heart breaks for everyone in the family.Sending our love and prayers 💙🙏🏻💙
Janelle Pitcher
April 29, 2026
Dear Hillary, Keely, Cindy, Chris and family,
My heart is hurting for you. I know this is a very hard time. She was one of my favorite people… such a beautiful soul.
I had many good laughs with her while working together at LCJH. She was so much fun to be around.
I’m sure she and Ricky are smiling down on all of you ❣️ May God comfort you and hold you close.
Alice G Richmond
April 29, 2026
Rest in eternal Peace, Donna. My classmate, my friend. Sending my deepest condolences to your family.
David Worsham
April 29, 2026
I have known the Allen family since our Roselawn days. Hard to believe Donna is gone. My prayers for comfort for the family.🙏
laura dyess
April 29, 2026
I am so sorry for the loss of Donna. She was always the sweetest person. I went to school with her, and had not seen her in years,but I remember her well. Prayers to all the family.
Amy Worsham
April 29, 2026
My deepest condolences for friends and family. Donna will truly be missed.
