Donna Barlett

Donna Marie Davidson Barlett August 4, 1936 took the early morning flight to Heaven on Friday August 30th 2024, after a brief overnight stay at the hospital. Her rhythms of heart, breath and life here shifted one last time, after a nice prior evening meal and taking in the evening news with 2 of her 5 children. While Donna greets her Parents Dwight and Marie Davidson, and Siblings Paul (Bubby) Davidson, and Sister in-Law, Eldene Davidson, and former husband and loving companion, John R. Barlett. The rest of us who remain, include her children and their families: Donna Lorraine "Laurie" Barlett along with Robert, Taylor, Nicole Johnson of Augusta, Georgia Maria Barlett, of Wellington Florida John L. Barlett, along with Laura Bailey, Brooke and Pedro, of South Florida and John's son, Ian Barlett, of Birmingham, Alabama Dave Barlett , sons Nicholas, Christian, along with Val, of Ocala Florida Holly Barlett Johns, and David Johns, their children and families: Cody, Lexy, Junie, and Baby Girl Johns Marcus, Kristin, James and Amelia Johns Shelby and Nathan Stone, all of Franklin, Tennessee. She also leaves her precious Siblings and their spouses, MaryBeth Davidson, Stacy Davidson, Kenny and Betty Davidson, and a host of loving nieces, nephews and their children / grandchildren in West Tennessee and beyond. Donna was born and grew up in Memphis, TN, the oldest of 4 children (3 bothers) whom she loved dearly. As Valedictorian of Frayser High school Class of 1954 she displayed a keen intellect and creative promise in her early years. After graduation she went on to attend the University of Mississippi at Oxford ("Ole Miss") where she was Liberal Arts Major and college radio station announcer. Donna met her future husband John in Memphis while both were employed in the radio business. For a few years after marriage she lived in Atlanta, GA, where both her sons were born. Later she returned to Memphis where she resumed employment and was a radio personality at W-H-E-R, the all-girl station owned by the legendary Sam Phillips. She later moved to Pompano Beach Florida where she remained for 5 years. She again returned to Memphis where she was employed for nearly 20 years at the Memphis Fire Department, assisting co-workers and countless traumatized citizens with her calm, professional demeanor. Finally, she retired and moved back to South Florida, to Palm Beach County, where she ended her earthly sojourn. Her return to Florida in retirement gave her time to build her Community of Poets, pursue creative endeavors, live and assist her children with Grandchildren, care for her Mother, Marie, and other friends and loved ones; and finally, to continue her works of physical and literary arts. Donna was a generous, creative and humble soul who will live on in our hearts and memory always. We can never repay the debt of love and sacrifice she offered to her children and extended family. Her family is so very thankful that God granted Donna -- this Sister, Mother, Grandmother and friend, a swift passing with little suffering and pain, and we claim the wonderful promise that one day we will be reunited.