DONNA LOU BLAND WILLIAMS,

age 77, passed away on January 3, 2021, in Little Rock, Ark. Born on August 25, 1943, Donna was the daughter of the late Winifred Fairfax Landrum Bland and Herbert Francis Bland, Jr., and the wife of the late Reverend Powell Gladstone (Bill) Williams II. Donna is survived by her daughters, Kathy Williams Kostopulos and Nancy Williams White; her grandchildren, Madison, Mahlon, Garrett, Sam, and Kate; and her siblings, Herbert Francis Bland III, John Bland, and Denise Bland Bednar, and their families. She also leaves a host of beloved cousins, extended family members, an exchange family in Brazil, and many cherished friends.

Donna graduated from Paragould High School in 1961, and attended Hendrix College, where she graduated with a physical education degree in 1965. She continued her studies at Emory University, where she received a master’s degree in education. She first taught at Druid Hills High School in Atlanta, Ga., where she coached the girls’ basketball team. She later went on to teach music in elementary schools throughout northeast and southeast Arkansas.

Donna was active in the United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women, volunteered in numerous church and school activities, and spent time with her grandchildren, who knew her as Nonna. Throughout her life, Donna remained passionate about music education for children. She directed children’s choirs, led Girl Scout troops, composed her own music, and wrote children’s plays. Her kind, generous spirit touched everyone who knew her.

Donna’s family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to the staff at The Green House Cottages of Poplar Grove in Little Rock for their compassionate care.

A service celebrating Donna’s life will be held at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church in Little Rock on Wednesday, December 29, at 10 a.m. Burial will be at 3 p.m. at Crittenden Memorial Park in Marion.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to a local United Methodist Church, the Dan Ross Memorial Scholarship at Arkansas State University, or a charitable organization of one’s choice.