Donna Van Dyke Hales, 81, of Greenville, passed away on January 25, 2023, in Plano, Texas. A celebration of life will be Saturday, January 28, 2023, at 3:00 PM in the chapel of Family Fellowship Church in Greenville with Rev. Paul Blue and Rev. Kenny Stone officiating. Visitation will be from 2:00 PM until service time at the church on Saturday. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Coker-Mathews Funeral Home.
Donna was born on January 25, 1942, in Greenville, Texas to William A. Van Dyke and Estella Davis. She ran off to Hugo, Oklahoma and married the love of her life, Neal Hales, on September 13, 1958. Donna was a loving Granmo that told stories about Quacky Duck and Big Bear. Donna loved going to the beach and mountains, and she loved riding in the boat. Donna was a member of Family Fellowship Church of Greenville, and she loved her Sunday school class. Donna loved cruising in the car with loud music playing. Donna loved being serenaded nightly by her best friend Travis Jackson. Donna always had a smile on her face and never met a stranger.
Donna is survived by her daughters, Deanne Hensley & husband Robert, Karen Gilmer & husband, Jay, Angie Anderton & husband Rickey, grandchildren, Lauren & DeSean Gambrell, Leah Eastup, Kelsey Castillo & husband Arturo, Courtlan Anderton, Avery Anderton, great-grandchildren, Maylinn & Silas Gambrell, Arianna Vicari, Huxton Anderton-Gunnoe, and a new great- grandbaby on the way; her best and dear friend, Travis Jackson and her dog, Josey.
Donna is preceded in death by her husband, Neal Hales, parents, siblings, Dorothy Jean Carter and W.A. Van Dyke Jr.
