Dona Sue Kendrick Ford was born on September 16, 1952, in Pasadena, Texas, to Leonard O. Kendrick and Dona (Jones) Kendrick. She passed away on September 9, 2025, in Lufkin, Texas, at the age of seventy-two.
Dona worked faithfully as a teacher for twenty-two years with Little Centerville ISD. She found immense joy in educating the youth and investing in the lives of her students. A woman of faith, she loved the Lord and enjoyed attending church services at Oaklawn Baptist Church, where she and her loving husband of fifty years were devoted members.
She loved traveling and going out to eat and especially cherished her shopping trips with her children—never forgetting to stop for her favorite frappe. She enjoyed collecting mushrooms and most of all treasured spending time with her family.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Dona Kendrick; her brother, Willie Doyle Kendrick, Sr.; and sisters, Zoy Lea Johnson and Ila Mae Burroughs-Grace.
Dona is survived by her loving husband, David Ford; daughters, Angela Sue Jesse and husband John Michael Jesse, and Anastasya Karanina Hollis and husband Geoffrey Hollis; sons, Evgeniy Ford and Chandler Ivan-David Ford; grandchildren, Jeremey Jesse, Jordan Jesse, Josie Jesse, Autumn Hollis, and Anistyn Hollis; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
The family will receive visitors Friday, September 12, 2025, from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Oaklawn Baptist Church. Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 3:00 PM at Oaklawn Baptist Church in Groveton, Texas, with Bro. Lester McAdams officiating. Interment will follow in Bennett Cemetery.
Pallbearers: Jeremy Jesse, John Jesse, Geoffrey Hollis, Chad Gaston, Chandler Ford, and Evgeniy Ford.
Dona will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her dedication to her family, and the many lives she touched through her teaching and kindness. Her legacy of love and devotion will continue to live on through all who knew and loved her.