Donna (Slaton) Tyler was named the 2009 Magnolia Festival Belle during ceremonies Friday evening.

Tyler grew up in Soper with loving care from her wonderful and wise grandparents, Bessie and Walter Routon. With their guidance and teaching for the love of life and nature, she graduated and went to college.

She graduated from nursing school in 1973 and became employed by McCuistion Hospital where she worked in labor and delivery. She then worked for Parkview Convalescent Center and was the charge nurse on the 11-7 shift. Tyler moved to Durant 35 years ago to further her education. She worked at Texoma Medical Center two years before becoming a dental assistant for Dr. Carroll Hutchens for nine years.

Her husband is Jim Tyler, and the couple has four children, Lisa Van Hoecke and Robert, Vienna, Va.; Roby, Studio City, Calif.; Randal and fiancee Pam, Fort Smith, Ark. , and Kimberlee Brown and husband Zachary, Springdale, Ark.

They have six grandchildren Ashlie, Grayson, Jackson, Tyler, Caden and Alexandra.

The Tylers are members of the First Baptist Church and she works for the television ministry. She also loves volunteering for Meals on Wheels and looks forward to helping with vacation Bible school each summer.

“Working with the Youth Services of Bryan County Inc., and having served on the board since 1993, has given me the opportunity to serve with our director, Mr. Gerald Nickels, and the other board members, to comprehend the vastly urgent needs of our youth in and around Bryan County,” Tyler said.

Tyler also is the committee chairperson for the Mental Health Services, something she said is a very gratifying and humbling experience. Tyler said there is a great need for this service and it seems to get the least attention.

More than three years ago, the Keep Bryan County Beautiful Board was formed and Tyler has served as the vice chair of the executive board, plus chair of the educational committee for the general board.

The KBCB poster contest for area youth has been used as a tool for learning about litter, recycling and pride for doing the right thing.

“Last year my Relay for Life team raised over $1,300 for the American Cancer Society Walk,” Tyler said. “This is something near and dear to my heart. I do not know anyone that has not been affected by cancer, either directly or indirectly.”

Tyler is an active member of PEO, chapter GV, and served as guard for nine years. The local chapter is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. She is a past president of ESA, new DESS Sorority.

“My husband and I enjoy supporting our university, and especially the golf,” Tyler said. “Jim and I were co-chairs of the Glen Johnson Golf Classic in 2006 and 2007.”

The Fortnightly Club and the fabulous ladies therein have been a special delight of Tyler’s life since 1992. Tyler said she has been led by Durant’s finest and that she aspires to be like her mentors. She held every office prior to being president from 2002-2004.

The Therapeutic Horseback Riding Program and Southeastern are forming a program for handicapped children to get crucial exercise and bonding. Tyler was on a committee of extremely dedicated people with one goal in mind. That goal raised more than $92,000.

“This program melted my heart and truly gives me tears of joy and sadness when I see how little it takes to find happiness through the eyes of a child on a horse,” Tyler said.

The Three Valley Museum/Durant Historical Society has made great strides in the past few years with the studious ambition of many and thanks should be shown for the gifts given and displayed by this fabulous museum, according to Tyler, and she was honored when asked to be a part of a board that entrusts such priceless heirlooms to its care.

Tyler has many hobbies and her favorites are riding horses, playing golf, gardening, volunteering, cooking, skiing and reading the Bible.