Donna Roberts
Wood River |
Donna R. (Dawson) Roberts, 87, passed away at 11:58 p.m. Monday, July 13, 2015 at Alton Memorial Hospital. Although she stood only 4’11”, she was a giant in the eyes of those who knew and loved her. Her spunk and smile spread joy to all those she came into contact with.
Born June 8, 1928 in Alton, she was a daughter of Jesse and Mayte (Tosh) Dawson. She married Gayle H. Roberts Jan. 15, 1951 in East Alton, and they celebrated 57 years of marriage before he passed away Feb. 10, 2008.
Donna was chairwoman over 24 Girl Scout troops for 35 years and received their highest award given to an adult. She also worked for Culligan Water for a short time. A member of Whitelaw Avenue Baptist Church, she was a dedicated wife and mother. Donna was very loving and caring, and never said a bad word about anyone. She was “mother” to many of her daughter’s friends. Likewise she was a special blessing to her family in many ways. In fact, her youngest nephew re-named her Aunt Donut because she always brought donuts when she came to visit and they always had so much fun when she was in town.
She is survived by her daughter, Patricia “Patti” Roberts of Wood River; her grandson, Zach Reynolds; her nephews Gerald (Linda) Clark and Marvin (Johnnie Sue) Clark, and Brad Dawson and his companion, Pam; and her loving pet Missy.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; a sister and brother-in-law, Lorene and Gil Clark; and a brother and sister-in-law, Randy and Edna Dawson.
For those of you blessed to know Donna, her smile will remain with us always. She personified Proverbs 31:25, “Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles…” No matter the struggle she endured, Donna was always able to smile and bring joy to those around her. In light of this, visitation will be Saturday, July 18 at Paynic Home for Funerals from 10 a.m. until services begin at 10:30 a.m. as we celebrate her life and rejoice in the day we will be reunited with her in Christ. Pastor Richard Newcom will officiate.
Burial will follow at Upper Alton Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Paynic Funeral Home or Whitelaw Ave. Baptist church.
Online guestbook is available at www.paynicfh.com
Paynic Home for Funerals
