1940-2004

Donna Dae Graham Sanford was born to Ivan and Jewel Graham of Dallas on July 20, 1940, and passed into the pearly gates of Heaven on April 6, 2024, in Tyler with her four children and their spouses and her grandchildren by her side.

Donna graduated from Samuel High School in Dallas in 1958, and married the love of her life, Ronald Lee Sanford, on June 6, 1959.

Donna was dedicated to her husband and followed him throughout his educational and work career as she always made sure everyone knew her family came first.

Donna worked for Elliott and Waldron in Canton in the late 70s. She then moved on to work for the City of Canton. She ultimately landed at the First National Bank of Canton (later known as Texas Bank and Trust). She quickly became an iconic fixture as the lady who looked as if she stepped out of a magazine but who without fail met all who entered the bank with a friendly smile as she made them feel as if they were the most important person in that moment. Let’s also not forget that each child was given a big hug and a lollipop. That is the legacy she leaves in the City of Canton as she has left an everlasting mark on all who knew her.

At home, Donna was a natural at being a wife and mother raising her four children and loving and guiding them every step of the way. Gee and Pop loved feeding and entertaining their children’s friends as they shared their love freely with everyone they knew. When they weren’t busy following their children’s activities, Gee and Pop shared a love of gardening and grooming their yard. Their beautifully manicured lawn and flowers was a reflection of the commitment and pride they had for everything they touched.

Gee lost Pop on March 14, 2022, but even as she missed the love of her life every moment, she stood strong in her typical steadfast and faithful fashion as she continued carrying the brightly lit torch as the matriarch of her family.

Donna Sanford, known to family and most around town as Gee, is survived by her four loving children who continue to carry on her legacy of faith, strength, love, and endurance: Pam and Micah Heard of Canton; Bud and Brenda Sanford of Canton; Cristy and Darron Thorn of Edgewood; and Ace Sanford of Canton. Eight grandchildren who have forever been molded by her love: Lezli and Brian Adkins of Canton; Breanne and Austin McDaniel of Canton; Tori and Jacob Harris of Canton; Lucas and Lindsey Minyard of Mabank; Jaci and Charlie Hughes of Canton; Garret Wayne Thorn of Edgewood; Bryce and Gabe Sanford of Temple, Clay Sanford of Canton. Thirteen great grandchildren who always brought a smile to her face: Kylie, Lavery, Keaton, Harper, Linden, Eli, Jaxon, Kellan, Jep, Kohen, Jameson, Jensyn, and Lottie. Gee is also survived by her loving sister-in-law, Kathy Thrasher. We cannot go without recognizing her faithful and loving caretaker, Liz Crowe which also brought Gee her bonus grandchildren Andrew, Benny, Cullen, Daniel, and Ellie.

Donna was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Lee Sanford, her parents, Ivan and Jewel Graham, her grandson, Justin Cole Thorn, and her loving sisters: Mary, Amy, and her twin sister, Monna.

We have comfort in knowing Gee is waiting in Heaven with open arms for each of us to once again laugh, hug, and tell stories. Oh, what a reunion that will be! We can truly only imagine the love and excitement as Gee was welcomed into Heaven and walked across the streets of gold.

A funeral was held Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at Eubank Funeral Home with Pastor Mike Roberson officiating. Interment was. in Haven of Memories. Visitation was held one hour prior to the service.

Pallbearers were Bryce Sanford, Lucas Minyard, Garret Thorn, Austin McDaniel, Brian Adkins, Jacob Harris, Charlie Hughes, Benny Crowe, and Justin Burch. Honorary pallbearers were the Canton Fire Department and the Canton Police Department.