Ladonna Kay Elston

LaDonna Kay Elston was born on February 23,1968 in Arkansas City, Kansas to Charlene (Elston) Johnson and Jimmy Atkinson. LaDonna lived in Ponca City, Oklahoma, then moved to Arkansas City, Kansas for high school. She graduated from Arkansas City High School in 1986 and then attended Langston University for college. She returned home, beginning her career at Winfield State Hospital as a nurses aide After her boys were born she started working at Stillwater Group Homes as the accounting clerk and assisting in taking care of the individuals with developmental disabilities for 16 years.

On January 26, 1990, LaDonna embraced motherhood with the birth of her twin boys Randall and Kendall. They were born two months early, leading to a stay at The Ronald McDonalds House for NICU care, with family support. Four months later, they finally came home. She became an exceptional mother, always there for her boys' school events and sporting competitions. She attended all their games and concerts, while also being a pillar for her siblings, cousins and parents. Her willingness to lend a hand, whenever and wherever needed, was truly extraordinary.

LaDonna, devout believer, worshiped

at St. James and Emmanuel Church of God in Christ. She loved singing for the Lord and participating in YPWW Bible drills. She had a fondness for the color "purple", water and chatting with her plants. A TV enthusiast, "Days of Our Lives" was her all-time favorite soap, recorded every day. As a skilled cook and baker, her specialties were Chocolate Sheet Cake (requested at every function), Cherry Cheese pies, Fruit Salad and Banana Pudding. Kendall had a soft spot for her cherry cheese pie, while Randall couldn't resist her banana pudding.

LaDonna leaves to cherish her memories: Mother - Charlene Johnson (Elston), Father - Jimmy Atkinson, Sons - Randall Brown, Kendall Brown and Partner Blake Malcom. Brothers - Edward (Deon) Miles, Jason Johnson and wife Candance Johnson, AJ Atkinson, Josh Atkinson and Aaron Pierce. Sisters - Montez Elston, Alisha and husband Roy Givens, Nyree Atkinson, and Brittney Atkinson. Nephews - Casey Miles, Marlon McDonald Ill, Malik Givens, Gabriel Tyler, Malcolm McDonald IV and Connor Johnson, Nieces - Flavea McDonald and wife Karne McDonald, Aunika Goodson, Jasmine Atkinson, Kejuanis Atkinson. God Sons - Jamiere Dickens and King Sparrow.