Donna Kay Benefield

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.