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Donna Lynn Talley, a native of Bogalusa and a resident of Baton Rouge, passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2021, at the age of 68. She was a graduate of Bogalusa High School and Southeastern Louisiana University, where she received a bachelor’s degree in social welfare. She was employed for over 40 years at ARC Children’s Services of Baton Rouge, where she provided varied services for people with disabilities and their families.

Donna enjoyed spending time with her many friends, traveling, cooking, and caring for others. She especially loved being with her family, most of all her nephews and nieces. Donna is preceded in death by her father, Donald Ray Talley; her mother, Louise Menish Talley; grandparents, Sam and Tessie Talley, Bob and Otry Lavinghouse, and Tony Menish; and brother-in-law, Melvin Lyons.

Donna is survived by her sisters Patti Lyons, Deni Black (Alan) and Tami Cox (Dan); niece, Laura Lyons; nephews, Nicholas Black(Megan), Andrew Black, Alexander Black, Patrick Black and Matthew Cox; great-nephews, Damon Lyons, Rowen Black, Grady Black and Austin Nash; and great-nieces, Madelyn Black and Alexis Lyons. She is also survived by special aunts, Dody Boone, Rose Conerly, Geraldine Talley and Verna Gaye Talley.

Visitation will be held Monday, Sept. 20, at Annunciation Catholic Church in Bogalusa at 10 a.m., with Mass at noon officiated by Father David Frank. Burial will take place at Ponemah Cemetery in Bogalusa. Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or the National Kidney Foundation. Donna had a servant’s heart. She will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed for her kindness, her love and compassion for others, and her courage. She was an inspiration to all.