Dona Keown Lynch

Dona Keown Lynch, 79, of Laurens, S.C., died on May 19, 2018, in Houston, Texas, after a brief illness. Dona was born in Lafayette, Ga., daughter of the late Bence Ballenger Keown and Don Harris Hames Keown.

In addition to making a home for her family, Dona owned and managed the Wayside Gallery, a local frame and gift shop, for many years. She also was a founding member of Leadership Laurens County.

Dona was a great one for volunteering her time and effort to worthy causes, including the Hospice Thrift Store and The Artist’s Coop. Notably, she was a cornerstone in the development of the Ferguson Meditation Garden at the Laurens County Hospital. She had a giving spirit and helped an untold number of fellow breast cancer survivors.

Dona built a lasting and loving marriage with her husband Jim. She raised two faithful and successful sons, Everett and Kevin, and formed close relationships with Lynnette and Joyce, the “daughters she never had.” She will especially be remembered as a fun-loving and doting “MaMa” to her granddaughters Teagan and Quinlan. She also leaves behind many deep and lasting friendships.

Dona loved life, finding a good bargain, and adored chocolate, shrimp, and the occasional margarita. She was a fireball and the world is a little less bright without her.

Friends are invited to celebrate her life on June 30 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the family’s home, 114 Court Street, Laurens. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Chattanooga, Tenn.