Donagene McDowell DeLong, 92, of Franklin passed away at 11:50 am, Monday, April 13, 2015 at The Caring Place.
Born March 16th, 1923, in Franklin, she was the daughter of Simon and Lydia Harlan McDowell. Dona grew up and attended schools in Franklin graduating from FHS in 1941. She entered Clarion College in the fall of 1941, majoring in Elementary Education.
In October of 1943, she interrupted her career plans to marry her high school sweetheart, Basil DeLong, and moved to Alabama where he was stationed in the U.S. Army. When Basil’s orders sent him overseas, Donagene returned to Franklin. Due to the teacher shortage during the war, she was able to begin teaching while completing her degree. She taught at Cooperstown, Ninth Street in Franklin, and Sandycreek Elementary. Dona loved her job and students very much. Retiring after 38 years, she and her husband enjoyed traveling and spending winters in warmer climates.
Donagene was well-known by her hundreds of former students and for her many volunteer services dating back to the former Franklin Hospital Snack and Gift Shop and later at DeBence Museum and The Caring Place Gift Shop. Dona was a member of the DAR and PSAR. She was possibly best known for her love of the Lord Jesus Christ and for her services at the First Church of God. Her first attendance there was at the age of 1 week. She later taught Sunday School, worked in the nursery, served on committees and boards, was treasurer of her mission society, and played the piano or organ as needed.
In Donagene’s spare time, she enjoyed making clothing for others and herself, basket weaving, and spending time on her computer.
Donagene was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her brother and sister-in-law, Glenn McDowell and Gladys Wasson McDowell, her father and mother-in-law, Arthur and Edna DeLong, a brother-in-law and wife, Richard and June Weltner DeLong, two sisters-in-law, Lorraine DeLong Warham and June Elizabeth DeLong, and two brothers-in-law, Herbert Warham and Wayne Eakin.
She is survived by a sister-in-law, Patricia DeLong Eakin of Franklin, and the following nieces and nephews: Glenn McDowell (Judy) Franklin; Gary McDowell (Karen) Duncan, SC; Kathy Prevo (David) Windsor, VT; Jocelyn Davis (Jess) Doraville, GA; Dixie Dees (Jim) Ft. Worth, TX; James Warham (Janice) Lexington, SC; Stephen Eakin (Mary) Altavista ,VA; Shelley Bell, (Frank) New Wilmington, PA; Stanley Eakin, Franklin; Larry DeLong (Tara) Franklin; Garry DeLong, Franklin; Terry DeLong, Franklin; and Heidi McCachren (Greg) Dover, PA. In addition, Dona has 38 great nieces and nephews.
Family and friends welcome from 4:00 – 7:00 PM Friday at Huff Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc. 312 West Park St. Franklin and at the First Church of God, 703 Liberty Street, on Saturday, April 18th, from 10:00 am until the service begins at 11:00 am with the Reverend James Leichliter officiating.
Interment will be in Graham Cemetery.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to The First Church of God at 703 Liberty Street in Franklin.
Online condolences may be made by visiting www.huffchapel.com
