Dionne Jones Prestenback's Obituary
You could always find Dionne Jones Prestenback with paint-stained clothes, a brush in her hand, and a quiet determination in her eyes. She passed away on Thursday, November 20, 2025, surrounded by the love she poured so freely into her family and her art.
Dionne discovered her passion for art in her 30s while running her beauty salon, “Fountain of Youth,” in Metairie, Louisiana. What began as a small creative spark grew into a lifelong devotion. She loved painting portraits and landscapes, and she approached every canvas with a sharp eye, a high standard, and an unforgettable teaching style that left a lasting mark on her students. For over 25 years, she served as an art teacher at Magnolia Park in Folsom, Louisiana, where her steady guidance, high expectations, and warm spirit shaped countless young artists. She was famously a bossy art teacher—the kind who demanded excellence because she saw potential in people long before they saw it in themselves.
Her greatest masterpieces were always her family.
She is survived by her sister, Joan Jones Donnow (Jack L. Donnow), and sister-in-law, Shirley Jones.
She is also survived by her beloved children: Elvina Doty Cross, Roy A. Doty (Eileen Reis Doty), Karen Doty Canizaro (Charles F. Canizaro), Dionne Doty Mefford (Robert A. Mefford), and Lori Prestenback Davis (David Lierzin).
Additionally, she is survived by 22 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great-grandchildren.
Dionne was preceded in death by her husband, Richard John Prestenback; her son, Ray A. Doty; her siblings, Jean Jones Steno (Carroll Steno), Elvina Jones Tiffany (Larry Tiffany), and Arthur H. “Butch” Jones Jr.; her son-in-law, Joseph A. Cross III; and her grandson, Charles M. Canizaro.
Her life was full—of color, of bold choices, and of love that stretched across generations. She poured herself into her family, celebrating every milestone, welcoming every new baby with joy, and staying deeply connected to each branch of her ever-growing legacy. Her home was a gathering place where stories were shared, meals were passed around, and love was always abundant.
Dionne was also a devoted member of Restoration Church in Robert, Louisiana, where she found fellowship, purpose, and a spiritual community she cherished. Her faith guided her, strengthened her, and shaped the way she loved—with compassion, generosity, and an open heart.
Anyone who knew her could tell you that the Lord assigned a special set of angels to ride with her—ones who held tightly to the outside of her car thanks to her legendary lead foot. She drove with the same spirit she lived with: bold, determined, and unafraid.
Whether she was guiding students, painting in the early mornings, praying for her family, or gathering them close, she lived with purpose and passion. The beauty she created—with her hands and with her heart—will continue to echo through every life she touched.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral services at E. J. Fielding Funeral Home, 2260 W 21st Avenue, Covington LA 70433 on Friday, December 12, 2025, at 11:00 AM with visitation on Friday beginning at 9:30 AM. Interment will follow in Lafayette #1 in New Orleans.
E.J. Fielding Funeral Home has been entrusted with funeral arrangements. The Prestenback family invites you to share thoughts, fondest memories, and condolences online at E. J. Fielding Funeral Home Guest Book at https://www.ejfieldingfh.com.
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