She was born on December 15, 1925 in Parson, Tennessee. She was raised by her grandmother Veggie Legions. The family moved to Arkansas in 1940. It was here that she met the love of her life, Cecil Spakes. The two were united in marriage on October 21, 1941. They made their home in Dermott.
Donnie was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, her brother, Kelma Legions and her grandmother, Veggie Legions.
She is survived by two daughters Barbara (Boyce) Davis of Monticello and Karen (Art) Spratlin of Overland Park, Kansas. She was known as MaMa to four grandchildren Kevin (Carissa) Davis of Franklin, Tennessee, Roxanne (Jimmy) Archer of Monticello, Heath Spratlin of Overland Park, Kansas, Betsy (Jake) Ballard of Leawood, Kansas. She leaves behind six great grandchildren to cherish her memories John Tyler (Samantha) Funderburg of McGehee, Jake Philips of Dumas, Hayden Spratlin of Overland Park, Kansas, Laila Davis of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Will and Caroline Ballard of Leawood, Kansas. She was great great grandmother to Bennett and Maybree Funderburg of McGehee. She is also survived by her beloved and faithful companion Charlie.
Before moving to Monticello she and her husband, Cecil owned and operated the Circle K Restaurant in Dermott. After moving to Monticello she continued to work in food preparation and meal planning at the Senior Citizen Center in Monticello until September, 2017 at the age of 91. She loved her work and the many people she provided for daily. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church. She loved her church and her many church friends.
She will always be remembered for her spunk and boundless energy. She was never one to hold back anything.
The family would like to thank Dr. Tim Simon, Peggy Trantham her caretaker, Home Health Care, Arkansas Hospice Nurses and Bro. Alex Brown Arkansas Hospice Chaplain for all their love and support.
Visitation will be held on Friday, April 27 from 7:00 to 8:00 at the Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home, 943 US-425, Monticello. Services will be held on Saturday, April 28 at 3:00 at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home with Bro. Gary Carter officiating. Burial will follow at the Dermott Cemetery in
Dermott.
Condolences(20)
Ashley Stephenson Vestal
Petaluma, CA Friday, May 29, 2020 Just saw this. Grew up in Dermott going to Circle K with Donnie and Cecil and Roxanne. My dad died this same year: Ray Stephenson. Wonderful memories.John & Paige (Hill) Stell
Monticello, AR Friday, April 27, 2018 You are all in our thoughts and prayers during the days ahead. Mrs. Donnie was a very special lady and we are so thankful to have known her. Thankful that our sons were able to be around her and know her love. Heaven gained an angel.Love, John, Paige, Brad, Jake, Jared, Jayson, Colt, & Brayden
Andy Briant
Monticello, AR Friday, April 27, 2018 Ms Donnie was a very sweet lady. I knew her from the senior center. She was always very kind and a pleasure to be around. Sincerest condolences to her family.Carisha Garrison LPN/ AR hospice
, TX Friday, April 27, 2018 Continued prayers for your family during this time. It has been a honor knowing Mrs. Spakes and her family.Randy and Jennifer Gavin
Monticello, AR Friday, April 27, 2018 Barbara and Roxanne I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Losing someone is hard no matter if you think you are prepared for it or not. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Love you guys bunches! If you need us for anything please just say.Terrie Briant
Monticello, AR Friday, April 27, 2018 Sweet Ms. Donnie, you'll dearly, and truly be missed . You made us laugh all of the time and you were such a joy to be around. Rest in love and peace, sweet lady.Jeanne Morrison
CARTERSVILLE, GA Thursday, April 26, 2018 Praying for all of you. I remember how sweet your mother was. May God's peace surround your family at this time.Jeanne (Buffaloe) Morrison
Adam Vincent Troy Williams
Santa Cruz, CA Thursday, April 26, 2018 I will cherish forever the time I spent with Aunt Donnie. We always had fun together and we laughed a lot. Wendy-sue, Uncle Cecil, Aunt Donnie and I would sit on the porch swing and talk and laugh...looking back on those days I realize they have become some of the best memories that I possess. I love you Aunt Donnie!! Until we meet again. Your Great Nephew, AdamApril Barnett
, AR Thursday, April 26, 2018 i will miss this lady very much. she was so kind and was a mess sometimes but she could cook that food at circle k. she was a great lady. thoughts and prayers for the famillyBeverly Cokley
Dermott, AR Thursday, April 26, 2018 Barbara and Karen: Your mom was one of my favorite people and she and I had some wonderful conversations "back in the day." I know that you will miss her, but always remember that there are people who will never forget her. Much love to the both of you!Beverly
Myra Engelkes
Conway, AR Thursday, April 26, 2018 Sending thoughts and prayers.. I'll never forget Ms. Donnie from the Circle K in Dermott where I grew up..Gloria Browder
Monticello, AR Thursday, April 26, 2018 What a beautiful woman Ms. Spakes was. Her smile was like sunshine and she was always so friendly. Barbara and Karen, my prayers are with you as you go forward without her. It will be hard but God goes with you.Butch and Judy Selig
Benton, AR Thursday, April 26, 2018 Barbara and all the family, we are sorry for the loss of your Mother. May God grant you peace and comfort during this sad time.Sincerely,
Judy and Butch
Kathy Berry
Monticello, AR Thursday, April 26, 2018 Spakes FamilyOur love and prayers to the family.It was such a pleasure to know Mrs. Donnie.I had the joy to be one ofMrs. Donnie's room mates on a trip that our Sunday School class made .What fun we all had.She was always a lady and beautiful. I will miss her.
James and Kathy
Phyllis Ann Legions
Angels Camp, CA Wednesday, April 25, 2018 I will miss her so much she will always be in my heart. My thoughts and prays to Barbara and Karen and they’re families. Rest In Peace Aunt Donnie.linda funderburg
monticello, AR Wednesday, April 25, 2018 my condolence to this family God blesslinda funderburg
monticello, AR Wednesday, April 25, 2018 my condolence to this family God blessPhyllis Greenwood
West Jordan, UT Wednesday, April 25, 2018 Karen, Art, and family. So sorry to hear you have lost your mom. I know she was very special to you. Prayers and love from Utah. Larry and Phyllis GreenwoodAudra Chapmon
, AR Wednesday, April 25, 2018 I would like to express my heartfelt sympathy to the family for the loss of your dear Donnie. I hope that you will find comfort in the words of Jesus at John 5:28,29 where he promised that the day is coming when he is going to resurrect back to life those in the grave. Until then, it is just like they are sleeping. (John 11:11-13) May your family draw strength from Jehovah, the God of all Comfort.Gary Newton
Monticello, AR Tuesday, April 24, 2018 So sorry to hear of your families loss. I’ve always loved your mom. Have known her for many years. Ate many times at the restaurant in Dermott. Called on her as a food salesman while she was at the senior center. We had lots of good laughs thru the years. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.