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Dona Goodnight

Dona Goodnight obituary, Jonesboro, AR

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Emerson Funeral Home - Jonesboro

1629 E. Nettleton

Jonesboro, Arkansas

Dona Goodnight Obituary

JONESBORO – Beloved mom and teacher Dona Ann Hedger Goodnight of Jonesboro passed away peacefully in her home at the age of 77 on July 14, 2025. Born to Orvel Orlan and Christine Hedger on July 6, 1948 in Jonesboro, Dona was a cherished daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, and friend.

Because of her outstanding dedication to children, Dona was much admired for over 30 years as an elementary school teacher. She loved teaching school with a passion and for this was awarded Teacher of the Year. She loved making her classroom a special place and worked diligently to ensure her class would be inspired, equipped, and full of wonderful memories. She often spoke of fond school memories and always wished she could return to teaching, but for health reasons was unable.

Dona was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Imogene Hedger and Loretta Hedger Vinson and one niece, Melanie Hedger Lunsford.

Dona is survived by her son Michael and his wife, Seinas, and by her son Shawn and his wife, Heather. She also leaves behind nine grandchildren, Matt, Josh, Tyler, Katie, Shawn, Elijah, Justin, Aubree and Parker. She is also survived by her two brothers, Leon Hedger and his wife, Nina, and Ronnie Hedger and his wife, Alice, as well as by two nephews, Chris Hedger and Dustin Hedger and one niece, Stephanie Privett, and their families.

A visitation and celebration of Dona's life will begin at 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 19, at Emerson Funeral Home with burial following immediately at Jonesboro Memorial Cemetery. Friends, loved ones, and former students are invited to gather and honor her memory.

Online registry: www. emersonfuneralhome.com.


To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Jonesboro Sun on Jul. 17, 2025.

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TL

July 18, 2025

May your memories give you peace and comfort of your loved one. Words fall short of expressing my sorrow for the loss of your loved one. May GOD be with you all during this difficult time. 1 Thessalonians 4:14 For if we have faith that Jesus died and rose again, so too God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep in death through Jesus.

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Memorial Events
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Jul

19

Visitation

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Emerson Memorial Chapel

1629 E. Nettleton, Jonesboro, AR 72401

Jul

19

Funeral service

2:00 p.m.

Emerson Memorial Chapel

1629 E. Nettleton, Jonesboro, AR 72401

Funeral services provided by:

Emerson Funeral Home - Jonesboro

1629 E. Nettleton, Jonesboro, AR 72401

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