Donna Jane WIlson-Horton

Donna Jane Wilson Horton, 78, of East End, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on October 16, 2026 surrounded by her loving family. She was born July 27, 1948, in Camden, Arkansas, to the late A.R. “Bubba” Wilson and Loyene Elizabeth (Ellis) Wilson.

Donna was a graduate of Camden Senior High School. She was named Miss Camden in 1966 and went on to participate in the Miss Arkansas Pageant. She attended Southern State College in Magnolia, Arkansas, where she fell in love with Donald Horton (Mr. Fordyce). It seemed only fitting that the two would become a “royal couple.” They married in Camden, Arkansas, and shared their lives for 56 years.

Donna was a talented florist who owned and operated Donna's Flower Shop. She had a creative eye and a gift for making beautiful floral designs. She was an active member of the Arkansas Florist Association, where she showcased her talent and filled many interesting positions over the years. She was a member of the board and served as president in 1991. But there was much more to Donna than her talent with flowers. Donna was a people person and loved to have a good time. She was always up for a little adventure. Whether she was fishing, traveling, dancing, reading, sewing, or playing games, Donna knew how to enjoy life.

More than anything, Donna was a family-oriented person. She loved being a wife, mother, Mama Dear, and sister. Donna was passionate about taking care of her family, and she was consistently there for them. She is remembered by her family as a wonderful cook, and they will always remember her special dishes. Donna leaves behind a lifetime of stories, laughter, and wonderful memories for her family and for all of those who knew and loved her.

Donna was a member of Geyer Springs First Baptist Church, where she especially enjoyed attending her Sunday School class. Her faith, family, and friendships were important parts of her life.

Donna was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Horton; son, Reece Horton; and parents, A.R. “Bubba” Wilson and Loyene Elizabeth (Ellis) Wilson.

She is survived by her children, Shayne Horton (Casandra), and Bonnie Horton; grandchildren, Taylor Horton, Allie Toler (Brad), Ryne Horton, Valery Cotton, Hailey Jones, Cameron Brantley (Misty), Nataley Cotton, and Reece Horton; great-grandchildren, Talynn Dixon, Reed Horton, Everett Brantley, Rhia Freeby, and Lily Carol Toler; sisters, Robin Zimmer (Mike), and Dixie Fair (Tommy); along with many other family members and friends who loved Donna and will miss her dearly.

Services to honor and celebrate Donna's life will be held Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at Geyer Springs First Baptist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas. Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 3:00 p.m. A private burial will be held at Salem Cemetery.

Services are entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. To leave a message of condolence or share a memory of Donna, please visit www.SmithFamilyCares.com.