Donna Elaine Lazarine Perry

Funeral services for Donna Elaine Lazarine Perry, 62, of Balch Springs, formerly of Diboll, will be held Friday, February 9, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. in the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Johnny Perry and Deacon Gary Trevino officiating. Interment will follow in Moral Cemetery in Nacogdoches.

Donna Elaine Lazarine Perry was born in Nacogdoches, Texas April 22, 1961 to Leroy and Georgia (Poskey) Lazarine, and died Thursday, February 1, 2024 at her residence.

As a newborn, she was welcomed home by two older sisters and would later be a big sister to three additional siblings, all of whom adored her. The Lazarine family moved to Diboll when Donna was in elementary school, and it was in this small, wonderful community that Donna grew up. She graduated from Diboll High School in 1980 where she was a savvy saxophone player in the Diboll High School Lumberjack Marching Band. She was well-loved by her classmates, being elected Band Sweetheart, and cherished the good times made with friends in the band.

Upon graduation, Donna worked at Diboll Junior High School where she poured into many young students who still remember her kindness, loving spirit, and how she helped them. Her co-workers loved working with her and remained friends throughout her lifetime. Donna married the love of her life, David Perry, June 22, 1985, and they enjoyed life together for close to 40 years. They loved traveling, country dancing, tailgating at their beloved Dallas Cowboy games, making occasional trips to the casino, and attending country music concerts. David made sure Donna got to see her favorite artist, George Strait, on several occasions.

Donna and David were blessed with their greatest gift when their son, Matthew David, was born June 15, 1989. He was the light of Donna’s life, and she simply could not have been more proud of him. Donna was blessed to be able to stay home with Matthew. When he was a toddler, she shared her love of children with close friends and family members and opened her heart and home to nurture numerous children whose parents entrusted her with their babies while they were at work. She was affectionately known as “Nonna” by some of the children she helped raise.

Donna, David, and Matthew moved to Mesquite in 1999 where they made many new, lifelong friends. In 2015, Donna was diagnosed with Stage IV Hodgkin’s lymphoma. She put up an incredibly valiant fight, and although she was very ill and suffered many complications from her illness, she truly never once complained or pitied herself. It was such a joyous occasion for Donna, and all her family, when she received news of being cancer-free.

In recent years, Donna and David enjoyed traveling in their motorhome and spending time at their house on Lake Palestine where they made even more friends. They loved to host gatherings at the lake and made many happy memories there. Donna loved spending time with family and friends and was a wonderful conversationalist!

The greatest joy of Donna’s life was becoming Granny to her precious granddaughter, Penelope Lola, October 1, 2021. Donna doted on Penelope and delighted in sharing stories about time spent with her. We take comfort in knowing that Donna’s beautiful, kind spirit will continue to live on in Penelope.

While Donna’s time with us was far too short, and she will be missed every single day, she made a positive impact on many, leading us to aspire to be as loving as her. She had the sweetest disposition and was the most caring person anyone could ever know. She leaves a beautiful legacy of love and compassion that has blessed all who knew and loved her.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents; mother-in-law, Elizabeth Perry; father-in-law, Jim Perry; and brother-in-law, Carrol Mettlen.

She is survived by her husband, David Perry; son and daughter-in-law, Matthew and Claudia Perry; granddaughter, Penelope Perry; siblings, Julie Mettlen, Diana Roche and husband Merrick, Allison Amason and husband Matt, Lorraine Dorman and husband Michael, and Lee Lazarine and wife Julie; brothers-in-law, Cecil Shivers and wife Glennia, Billy Shivers and wife Robin, Johnny Perry and wife Sherry, and Scotty Perry and wife Christy. She is also survived by numerous nephews, nieces, aunts, cousins, and her fur baby, Dolly.

Pallbearers will be her nephews, Zachary Roche, Cole Mettlen, Hunter Mettlen, Clark Dorman, Parker Amason, and Evan Dorman.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday evening at the funeral home.

Memories and condolences may be added, and live webcasting of the services may be viewed, at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.