Obituary

Donna Samford Singleton

February 14, 1959 - November 17, 2024

The most kind, compassionate, loving mom ever and the most fun, devoted Nonna you could be blessed with, sadly passed away on November 17, 2024. To capture the beauty of Donna in words is no easy task. To those who knew her, she was special, amazing, one of a kind. She was a daughter of the Most Highest God and anyone she came across could feel his love radiating through her. To her family, she was mom. The perfect mom for her two daughters. She spent countless years devoting herself to selfless acts of love like rubbing their heads to help them sleep, holding them when they were sick, and NEVER ceasing to tell them how much she loved them. That love carried down to her grandbabies. With each grandchild her love grew. She built unbreakable bonds with each one, never showing frustration or disappointment, but using certain opportunities to show grace and have lessons learned. If you never had the privilege of meeting her, the loss is truly yours.

Born and raised in Bogalusa, Donna saw the world through rose colored glasses. She loved to travel and would spontaneously wake you up to go to the beach at 5am, or to get tickets to a concert or go to a ballgame. She loved jewelry, colorful, eclectic knickknacks, Dirt Cheap, and sweet tea. She had an eye for beauty and could make clutter into an elegant masterpiece. Donna was always willing to give all of herself and expect nothing in return. She wanted the room to be happy, so she would tell jokes and funny stories. She loved to dance and would never pass the opportunity to bust a move. She could be your number one hype man, whether you were opening a pack of socks, pencils or a stick for Christmas, she’d have you pumped and excited. This says it all, on her worst day, she checked on you.

Donna graduated from American Academy, got married, and raised two daughters, making sure to provide a loving home. No one could leave a room or go upstairs without saying I love you. Those weren’t just words in our house, they were meant, felt, and said with intent. As her daughters got older, she went to nursing school, graduating from PRCC and William Carey as an RN-BSN. What and accomplishment and boy were we proud of her! She started her nursing career at the Bogalusa Medical Center, but then became a travel nurse. She enjoyed each new adventure, getting to work and live in Maryland, South Carolina, and New Mexico. After her travels, she finished her career at OLOL in Baton Rouge. This allowed her to be closer to family, which was always her top priority.

Donna is survived by her two daughters, Jennifer (Brady) Christensen and Tiffany (Kevin) Rushing, along with her grandchildren: Jace, Austin, Callie, and Mazie. Other survivors include her mother Doris White, sisters Sheryl (Robert) Waltman, and Dorraine Pounds, brother Parrish (Traci) Samford, ex-husband Ricky (Brandi) Singleton, and many other family members too numerous to mention, including special cousins: Judy Maddalone and Delee Samford.

She was preceded in death by her father Shirkee Samford, grandmothers Ivera Samford and Ruby Williams, grandfather Wendel Williams, stepfather Paul White, brother-in-law Johnny Pounds, sister-in-law Jan Singleton, and niece Beth Waltman.

There will never be another Donna Singleton. Time heals all wounds but these are deep. All prayers for comfort and understanding are accepted and appreciated. 

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

Arrangements are pending at this time and are entrusted to Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home, 985-732-4721.