Ms. Donna Dekle Matthews, 84, passed away on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at Solaris Health Care following an extended illness. She is the daughter of the late Thomas James and Annie Laurie Brannon Dekle, Jr. Ms. Donna was preceded in death by her husband of fifty-five years Billy joe Matthews and one brother James Mackey Dekle. Ms. Donna was a lifelong resident of Lake City, FL and a lifelong member of First Baptist Church in Lake City, where she taught Sunday school for forty years and was involved in many church activities. She was a member of the 1958 graduating class of Columbia High School and also a majorette in high school. She worked at the Lovely Shop, Capell's shoe store, Phil's Shoes, Renee's Fashion, Belk Hudson's, and Goody's and she earned top seller in the country. She was an avid Florida Gator Fan and enjoyed spending time with her family.

Ms. Donna is survived by one son Clint Matthews (Patricia) Lake City, FL; two daughters Kim Black (Billy) and Tami Akins (Hal) Punta Gorda, FL. seven grandchildren Mandy Floyd (Mark) McAlpin, FL; Clint Black (Amanda), Christian Matthews, Austin Matthews, and Ryan Matthews, all of Lake City, FL; and Laurie and Lindsey Akins, Punta Gorda, FL and five great-grandchildren, Baleigh Black, Rilee Floyd, Jaylin Jarquin, Reese Floyd, and Austin Black.

A Funeral service for Ms. Donna Dekle Matthews will be conducted on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at 3:00 P.M. at First Baptist Church in Lake City, FL. with Reverend Robert Bass Officiating. Visitation with the family will be at the church from 2:00-3:00 P.M. and the service directly following.  Interment will take place at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Lake City, FL. Arrangements are under the direction and care of GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME, 3596 S. US HWY 441, Lake City, FL, 32025, 386-752-1954. Please leave words of comfort for the family at www.gatewayforestlawn.com.