Donna Marie Lathon

Donna Marie Lathon was born on May 17, 1953, in Marked Tree, Arkansas to the late L. D. and Levada Barnes.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Louis Lee Barnes and Willie Jo Barnes and her sisters Dorothy Jean McMillian and Bennie Faye Crockett and by the love of her life, her late husband James Houston Lathon.

Donna accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age at St. John Missionary Baptist church in Marked Tree, Arkansas.  She really loved the Lord and was always praying for the needs of others.

Donna was educated in her hometown in Arkansas and graduated from Marked Tree High School.  She met James “Pops” Lathon and it was love at first sight.  The two were united in marriage on July 3, 1971. At the recommendation of a good friend of Pops, the two later decided to relocate to Kansas City, Missouri where they lived together until Pops passed away in 2005.  Donna ultimately lived in Kansas City, Missouri for over 51 years.  Four children were born from Pops and Donna’s blessed union.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, masks are required upon entrance of the church.

Donna loved cooking and playing card games.  She also enjoyed watching horse races.  She preferred being in the company of others to being alone.

On January 9, 2023, the Lord extended his hand and welcomed his daughter, Donna to her eternal heavenly home. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Over the years, Donna worked at several companies including Artex Manufacturing (now Fruit of the Loom), Andrew McMeel Publishing, and Ink Cycle where she retired from.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her children Felicia Lathon Williams (Al Ray) of Bedford, Texas and Derrick James Lathon, Donovan Marcus Lathon and Jamie Latrice Lathon, all of Kansas City, Missouri; a sister, Beverly Scott of Kansas City, Missouri and a brother Larry Barnes (Marilyn) of Jonesboro, Arkansas; two brothers-in-law, Jimmy Crockett of Marked Tree, Arkansas and Emmie McMillian of West Mobile, Alabama; two special nieces, Jo Allen (Kenny) of Ellenwood, Georgia and Jean Williams (Dewayne) of Marion, Arkansas and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends to mourn her passing. Donna’s legacy included 12 grandchildren, Derrick Jr., Monique, Darnell, Diamond, Kierra, David, Jordan, Jewel, Jade, Ethan, Brice, and Alesha.