She is preceded in death by her husband, Bobby H. Flanagan of Bossier City, son, Bobby Dean Flanagan of Benecia, California, parents, Hazel and Ira Allison of Ohio, sister Dora Rhodes of Ohio, brothers Eugene Allison of Maryland and Howard Allison of Ohio, sons-in law Michael Allen Schwalke, M.D. of Shreveport, LA and Bobby Burress of Hot Springs, Arkansas and grandsons Michael Allen Schwalke, II, and John Robert Schwalke, both of Shreveport, LA. She is survived by her children, Jim H. Flanagan and wife, Cindy of Hosston, LA, Becky Buress of Princeton, LA, Carol Schwalke of Shreveport, LA, and Sharyl Boudreau and husband, Damon of Elm Grove, LA, and she is survived by her sister, Monna McCabe-Ashcraft of Ohio. She is the much-loved Grandma, Ma, and Ma’am to 16 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren, and a beloved aunt to numerous nieces and nephews.
She grew up in Ohio alongside her twin sister, Monna. Donna was quite athletic and enjoyed all things outside. She loved sports and played on the school’s softball and basketball teams. She was known for her quick wit, endearing laugh, and contagious smile. She met the love of her life at a skating rink one weekend while still in high school. He was a young GI in the Air Force stationed in Columbus, Ohio, and was at the rink for an annual skating event. They skated together that evening, but it was not until one year later, when he returned to the rink for the same event, that they began their courtship. They married in 1953 and began their life together being stationed at Air Force Bases in Columbus, Ohio, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Morrocco, Africa, London, England, Biloxi, Mississippi, Fayetteville, North Carolina, and finally Shreveport, Louisiana. Her favorite place among these was Morocco. She often spoke of how beautiful the country was and how she actually rode a camel while being there. She worked for a short time at Bell South and The Shreveport Times, but most of her career was being a talented homemaker and raising five children. She made this look easy as her home was always immaculate, her flowerbeds bloomed with vibrant, beautiful colors, and a delicious dinner was on the table by 5:00pm each evening. Once her children were raised and gone, she and Bobby began traveling and enjoying their retirement years. She was his shotgun rider as they visited family and friends who were stretched across the United States. They attended Bellaire Baptist Church together and enjoyed the fellowship of those in their Sunday School classes. They were married for 62 years until he passed away in 2015.
Her life serves as an example to those who knew her as one that brought kindness, love and laughter to all. She remained dedicated throughout her life to her husband and children who were her pride and joy, she showed tremendous spunk and determination throughout any circumstance she faced, and she engaged in hours of magical playtime with her grandchildren because she loved them beyond measure. She will be missed terribly and remembered with undying love until the day we see her again.
Visitation will be from 1:00-2:00pm on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at Hill Crest Memorial Funeral Home in Haughton, LA. Immediately following, at 2:00pm, will be the funeral officiated by Dr. Randy Harper. The family would like to thank the following health care professionals for the loving care and friendship extended to our mother over the past few months or years: Dr. Leslie Sewell, Dr. Paul “Corky” Davis, Dr. Sue Seiler-Smith; Home Instead and their sitters, Carla Giddens and LaCresha Johnson; and Bristol Hospice nurses, Shari Powell and Amy Epp. She loved each one of you.
