By Josh Troy
Clarksdale Advocate
Friends and family members paid tribute to Lakenia Done, a sixth-grade teacher at Friars Point Elementary School, who tragically passed away in a car wreck on Sunday night.
Done’s visitation will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday at Beautiful Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Friars Point, with services following at 11 a.m. Pastor Earl Myles will officiate, and Royal Funeral Home will handle the arrangements.
According to officials from the Coahoma County Sheriff’s Office, the collision occurred around 6 p.m. last Sunday in the vicinity of Friars Point Road near Highway 1. The vehicles involved and the identities of other individuals in the accident were not disclosed. Multiple individuals were transported to a Trauma Center by Pafford Emergency Medical Systems, but unfortunately, Done’s injuries were fatal. The Sheriff’s Office is still investigating the incident. The Coahoma County Fire Department, along with firefighters from Jonestown, Friars Point, Lyon, and Lula, responded to the scene.
Just over 24 hours after the collision, Done’s son, Justin, posted on Facebook, “My Momma’s favorite color was purple!! She wouldn’t want us to be sad! DROP THEM PURPLE HEARTS FOR HER! ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????” As of Thursday afternoon, Justin’s post has received 265 comments and 209 shares.
Members of the community expressed similar sentiments. Essie Price Hall, who met Done at Friars Point Elementary School, said, “I had the chance to meet Mrs. Done once at school, and she always had a pleasant smile. She was one of the friendliest teachers out there. Rest in peace, dear, you may be gone but not forgotten.”
Barbara Jakes, a resident of Friars Point, knew Done in various capacities. She said, “We called her Kena Done. She had a giving spirit and loved her sons. She adored her new six-month-old granddaughter, and she cherished her family. She loved the children at Friars Point Elementary School and put her heart and soul into her work at home and school. The kids loved her. Kena was loved by her co-workers at Walmart, where she had another job. She had a quiet spirit but was strong when she needed to be. She loved her church family and raised her sons in the church. She was a hardworking woman, juggling two jobs to provide for her family. She will truly be missed by many.”
Linda Fletcher Brown left purple hearts in Done’s memory and said, “Ms. Done was loved by many. She was truly a ray of sunshine at FP school. She loved those kids and went above and beyond to ensure their education. She will be greatly missed. ????????????????????????????????.”
Beatrice Woods-Moore spoke about Done’s impact as an educator. She said, “Lakenia Done was a very special person! I worked with her for about 20 years at Friars Point Elementary School. Her family, especially her boys, motivated her to work so hard. She made sure to attend all their activities, no matter how tired she was. At school, she ensured that the students had everything they needed. If they didn’t, she would buy it herself. She loved teaching and made learning fun for her students. She was firm with them because she wanted them to succeed, and all the students respected her for that. We were like a family. She always did special things for her co-workers. When I got sick and had to have surgery, she would call my daughter to check on me and see if I needed anything. Even after I retired, she would text me to say she loved and missed me. She would do anything for you and never sought recognition for it. I will truly miss her. She was a rare jewel with a heart of gold! She will be greatly missed!”
Courtney Holder reflected on the love Done had for her family. She said, “Lakenia had the sweetest soul and the most humble spirit. She adored her three sons, AJ, Malik, and Justin. Although she had three sons, she longed for a daughter. Her wish came true when she was blessed with a granddaughter on New Year’s Day 2023. A’moura was always on Lakenia’s mind. There wasn’t a day that went by without Lakenia and A’moura together. Lakenia truly believed that family is the embodiment of love.”
Coahoma County Sheriff Charles Jones often saw Done at Walmart and described her as a very nice person and a hard worker. He said, “When you went to Walmart, you would always see her. She had a smile on her face and would engage in good conversations with her kids.”
Michael Camponova, who worked with Done at Friars Point Elementary School for 14 years, said, “She was a great friend, teacher, and leader. Everyone at Friars Point Elementary loved her.”
