Donna Faye (Neal) Elston

Donna Faye Elston, age 70, of Tipton, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 13, 2023, with her loving family by her side. She was born on April 4, 1953, to her parents, Edgar Bryant Neal & Hattie Marie (Winningham) Neal. Donna graduated from Tipton High School in the class of 1971.

Through the years, Donna worked for the sheriff’s dept., senior center, and the railroad in Tipton. She had a strong work ethic, and always prioritized the needs of her family first. She was a great wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend. Donna’s favorite role in life was “grandma”. Her smile lit up a room, and she was a genuinely fun person to hang out with. Anyone who knew Donna would say that she never knew a stranger. She had a gift for making everyone around her feel loved and accepted. Joy followed Donna wherever she went, with her amazing laugh soon to follow!  

Donna loved collecting angels, visiting family in Tennessee, shopping, and watching her favorite TV shows; Chicago Fire & Little House on the Prairie. Donna kind of lived her life as Burger King suggested.... she did it her way Ironically, BK was one of her favorite places. She frequently ran through the drive thru to grab a whopper & frozen coke. She also frequented South Pole for their delicious sodas. Donna enjoyed her simple life and was very thankful for her family and friends. She led by example and meant so much to so many! She was a gem and will be missed beyond measure!

Those left to carry on Donna’s legacy of love are her son, Zachary Lee (Missy) Phifer; granddaughter, Brynlee Phifer; sisters, Eva Jean Mahaffey, Barbara Welcher, Anna Owens; niece, Dina Murray Ross; along with several nephews, nieces and cousins.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Edgar & Hattie Neal; first husband, Ronnie “Dumplin” Phifer; second husband, Terry Elston; daughter, Amy Jo Phifer; siblings, Clois Neal, Donald Neal and Maggie Norris.

A visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, October 20, 2023, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home, located at 314 N. Main St. In Tipton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Donna’s honor can be made to the funeral home to offset funeral expenses. Envelopes will be available during visitation. Online donations may be made using the green online payment button at the bottom of our homepage; please include Donna’s name in the comment section.

Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home is honored to serve Donna’s family in their time of need. Please feel free to leave an online condolence or share a special memory of Donna with her family on her tribute wall.   

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