Family members say Donna Douglas passed away at the age of 81. Douglas was an actress, best known for her role as Elly May Clampett, the only daughter of Jed Clampett, in the CBS television series The Beverly Hillbillies.
Charlene Smith, Douglas’ niece and former mayor of Zachary, says her aunt passed away Thursday, Jan. 1 in her Zachary, LA home, with family members by her side.
In 2011, Douglas sued toy manufacturer Mattel Inc., claiming the company used her name and likeness for a Barbie doll without authorization. The suit was settled.
She was born in 1933, in Pride, LA.
Douglas attended St. Gerard High School, a Roman Catholic school, where she played softball and basketball. She was a member of the school’s first graduating class.
She was a “Miss Baton Rouge” and was named “Miss New Orleans” in 1957.
When Douglas gave her autograph, she signed it with Proverbs 3: 5-6, which reads:
English Standard Version (ESV)
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
