Donna Speaks - The Jena Times

Obituaries

January 10, 2024

Donna Speaks

Donna Marie Speaks, 58, of Jena, passed away on Saturday, December 30, 2023, at Our Lady of Lourdes, Lafayette, LA.

She was born January 21, 1965. Services were held at 2 p.m., Monday, January 1, 2024, in the Heard Cemetery, Manifest, LA, with Bro. Curtis Smith officiating, under the direction of Magnolia Funeral Home, Alexandria, LA.

She was preceded in death by her daddy, Buster Ford; mother, Sue Ford; and brother, Chris Ford.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Sidney Speaks; brother, Danny Ford; nephew, Dillon Ford (Crystal); niece, Charis Ford; nephew, Devin Ford; uncle, David Eubanks; aunt, Evelyn McEntyre; cousins, Kristie Poole (Bobby) and Mike Eubanks (Brandi); her babies, Bryar Ford and Lainey Ford; her fur-baby, Odie; and a host of special nieces, nephews and friends.

Pallbearers were Dillon Ford, Devin Ford, Bradley Eubanks, Brayden Eubanks, Dalton Hearon and Austin Eubanks.

Honorary pallbearers were Danny Ford, Bryar Ford, Drake Eubanks and Jonah Eubanks.

News

Jena Native Member of ULM National Champion Cheerleaders

Staff Report

April 22, 2026

The University of Louisiana Monroe Cheerleading team has claimed its 6th National Championship, taking home first place in the Small Co-Ed Traditional...

News, Photo Gallery...

The Road to Sulphur Goes Through LaSalle Parish

By: Craig Franklin

April 22, 2026

The road to Sulphur for the state softball championship tournament travels through LaSalle Parish as the top teams in Division III and Division IV Non...

Community Events, News

Community Events

April 22, 2026

Hair Cemetery Donations Donations are now being accepted for the upkeep of the Hair Cemetery. If you have a reserved plot or family members buried the...

Photo Gallery, Sports

Giants’ bats are red hot in playoffs

By Austin Whatley Sports Writer

April 22, 2026

The Jena Giants finished up their regular season with a 16-18 record which was good enough to earn the #15 seed in the playoffs. The Giants hosted #18...

Features, Lifestyle

The Pocketknife: Man’s Best Friend

By Deborah Mayo Contributing Writer

April 22, 2026

For many men (and a few women), pocketknives are a staple they can’t do without. Morning routines consist of shoving one into pants pockets to use thr...

News

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week April 19-25

By Clare Wilson LPSO Victim Advocate

April 22, 2026

Victims of certain crimes are entitled to certain rights under Louisiana Crime Victim Bill of Rights: You have the right to: • Receive emergency, soci...