Donna Batson

Mrs. Donna Gaskill Batson, age 48, of 1018 Edgemont Drive, died Wednesday, March 15, 2006, at her home.

She was born Jan. 20, 1958, in Denver, Colo., the daughter of Thelma Sanders Gaskill Smith and the late Kenneth Vernon Gaskill, and was the wife of Rev. Dan Batson. Mrs. Batson, a graduate of Clemson University, was a teacher at South Middle School with the Lancaster County School District, was a member of the S.C. Teachers Association and First United Methodist Church. Mrs. Batson had formerly taught at Laurens County School District 56 - Eastside Elementary, and Pickens School District - Liberty Elementary, Holly Springs Elementary and Liberty Middle School.

Mrs. Batson is survived by her husband, Rev. Dan Batson of the home; a son, Tyler Batson of the home; her mother and stepfather, Thelma Gaskill Smith and Charles "Smokey" Smith of Easley; two brothers, Wayne Gaskill of Jackson, Tenn., and Vernon Gaskill of Nashville, Tenn.; a stepbrother, David Smith of Atlanta, Ga.; and a stepsister, Beth Smith of Grand Rapids, Mich.

The Celebration of Life Funeral Service for Mrs. Batson will be 11 a.m. Saturday, March 18, 2006, at First United Methodist Church, by Rev. Don Brown and Rev. David Nichols. Burial will be at 4 p.m. at Ebenezer Baptist Church Cemetery in Travelers Rest, S.C.

The family of Mrs. Batson will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the church sanctuary.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorial contributions to First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 608, Lancaster, SC 29721.

Notes to the family can be emailed to condolences@hartleyfunerals.com.

Hartley Funeral Home, www.hartleyfunerals.com Lancaster, S.C., 803-283-2100, is in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Batson.