Name: Hardage - Giddens Chapel Hills Funeral Home and Cemetery
Address: Jacksonville, FL

I am so sorry to hear about Donna.  She was always laughing and smiling when I remember her as my neighbor.  I knew she had a very successful career with Duval County.  I hate to see that she passed away so young. I wrote a letter, but when I found the legacy link I wanted to let you know that I still think of her and her infectious smile.

I just learned of Donna's passing and I am heartbroken. I did my student teaching with Donna at Atlantic Beach Elementary and we became fast friends. She was so genuine and had such an infectious laugh. We would giggle for hours on the phone over stories of our exploits. I remember when she met Martin at school and how she thought he was so cute! I told her he liked her and I was pretty sure she liked him. As time went on, I said, "Donna, that man loves you!" Every time she would see Martin, she would say, "I love that man!" and I would reply, "He's going to ask you to marry him!" In the beginning she didn't think so, but then she would say, "I sure hope so!" When he popped the question, Donna called, so full of joy, and we both squealed with excitement! I still have the picture of us at her wedding, as well as all the pictures from her classroom and from the going away dinner she and Martin, and Kathy and Tom had for me when I moved to Kansas. We stayed in touch for a while, but then lost touch. While visiting Jax Beach in December of 2011, I had hoped to be able to see her and have another round of resounding laughter, something I knew was in great supply when Donna was around. It wasn't to be. I was unable to get in touch with her and I was sad when I had to leave without seeing her. I have always held Donna in the highest regard and have always remembered everything she taught me. 

Martin and family, my heart breaks for you all. I know that the most important thing in the world to Donna was her family. We used to talk all the time about how much she loved you guys and how much you all meant to her. I will always cherish my friendship with her and everything I learned from her, not just about teaching, but about life, family, fun, hope, and acceptance. RIP, Donna. I love you.

I am so sorry to hear about this loss. Ms. Taylor was wonderful asset to the gifted community.

I met Donna when we were in 7th grade; she was always full of energy; a hilarious sense of humor, and a TRUE friend in every sense of the word. We had lost touch over the last few years, but I thought of her often. I remember teasing her because she was even shorter than I am..someone would ask her how tall she was and I'd pipe and say she's 4'11" and she'd retort I'm 4' 11 3/4"; she made me laugh, she was there when I needed to cry, and we had such a good time as young teenage girls. I was trying to locate her again because I wanted to surprise her for her birthday which is exactly a week after mine..and finding out that she's no longer with us feels as if I have been sucker punched.  I love her now as much as I did when we were just girls, and she will always remain in my heart as one of my dearest friends. Rest easy in God's embrace Donna, and one day we'll meet again. God Bless your family.

We have just learned of Donna's passing and she will be greatly missed. Starting with the very earliest years in our business, Donna helped us with advice and encouragement. We valued her counsel and her friendship. Our very best thoughts go to her family.

Ted and Greta and Matt Rasmussen
Tin Man Press

I met Donna through the Schultz Center. She was instrumental in helping the Schultz Center build on line gifted courses for teachers in the  five regional school districts.
Donna had a major impact on teacher education. We all miss her very much.

I was very saddened to hear about Donna's death.  She was a fantastic teacher to both adults and children.  I loved taking the gifted classes under her and will always carry with me the wisdom she imparted to me about these unique children.  I am a better teacher because of her.  We have lost a truely gifted person and a beautiful lady.  
Stuart Stokes ( Orange Park, FL)

Donna you will be missed. You impacted the lives of many children, our two daughters in particular. You gift was making people feel loved and your smile never ending. We love you.

Donna was a wonderful person who I got to know as a chaplain who visited her regularly in the hospital.  Martin, Georgette, and family, I am so sorry for your loss.

Donna was an awesome Educator and person.  She will be missed by all of us she touched.

On the first day I met Donna, I felt her warm caring spirit through her passionate loving smile. She was a gifted educator that loved children and people. Working with her was one of the most rewarding experiences of my teaching career. She was  always helpful, concerned, and dedicated in every way. I will truly miss her. I can see the smile she wore on her face and hear the joyful laughter in her voice.Her presence will be missed. My deepest sympathy and prayers are extended to her family.

Donna touched so many lives in so many ways. I will especially remember her parenting advice and quips.  I still use the home-made family cookbook she put together for me and the baby blanket she made when I was expecting my second child.  Her good heart and giving nature live on in these wonderful gifts of her time and talents.  My condolences to her family.

Dear Martin, Steven, Douglas and family ,
  The highest compliment I can pay my friend Donna,is to say that she was an amazing mom, who loved her boys and family more than life itself. Family was foremost for Donna and that is what sustained her. Donna brightened every room with her humor and a laugh you would never forget. As a teacher and educator, there were few who could top her. We all learned much from Donna...about teaching , priorities, and about how to live and enjoy life. I will miss you but will remember what you taught me. 
                                                   With sincere sympathy,
                                                    Doris LePrell
                                                    ( Your Atlantic Beach Principal. ret.)

Donna was a very special teacher to both of my children, knowing innately just what each needed to go to that next step of learning. But she was so much more than a good teacher. She adored her family, her sons and her dad and her brother. She was always such a rock for the family. Martin, you brought such joy into her life. I know how much you all will miss her. May you find peace knowing this is not the end of the road. Nancy Yeakel

I will always have such fond and vivid memories of your classroom at Atlantic Beach Elementary.  You made quite an impression on my life at such an early age and created within me a love for learning that will be with me forever.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Donna was my son's gifted teacher at Atlantic Beach Elem. for 3 yrs. in 1984. She was always enthusiastic and the children loved her. As a parent I appreciated her teaching abilities. We had many discussions during those years. I hope the memories of happier times will help ease your pain. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Although our history short, the impression you bestowed, was one that is achieved from  a life long  relationship. It was an honor and a privilege to be apart of your end of life journey.  You are a Special Angel that touched my life. You are, and always will be loved by many.  May they all find peace and comfort in knowing your love remains.

To Donna's husband, children, family and friends, words cannot express the sadness I feel in my heart at this time. Donna was a sweet, kind and loving person, who always made you feel special. She fought a great fight, she kept the faith; but God in His infinite wisdom knew that she needed rest. Cherish her memories and hold to God's unchanging hand. May God bless each of you during this difficult time.

Martin,

I was saddened to read of the passing of your dear wife, Donna.  It has been said many times by many people, Donna had a unique and vibrant spirit about her.  Her infectious laugh made everyone at ease with her no matter the circumstance or the environment. 

For a student to have Donna for a teacher had to be a a memorable event.  Her ability to educate was a gift given to her by a much higher authority, which by the way, no higher school of learning could offer.  Donna had few peers that could equal her abilities, yet, she treated each person she met as a resource for her build on her own spiritual journey.

I am honored to have you and Donna entrust me and my former company with your transportation needs.  I am often asked if I miss the car business and I can honestly say, yes, I miss the many people (like Donna) and friendships that were built over the years.  

Martin, my prayers are with you and your family.  God bless...

Donna was a powerful, joyful presence in the lives of all who knew her.  Her classroom created a force of of eager, independent learners who took away an academic foundation that continued to serve them long after they left elementary school.  It was an honor to know her, and I will be forever grateful for the role she played in nuturing my daughter's lives.

Knowing Donna was a real pleasure and a gift.  Donna was always positive and charming and everyone enjoyed her sense of humor and engaging laughter.  Her family and friends are in my thoughts and my prayers.

Donna, I treasure the moments we shared over lunch and at the staffing table, the place where our friendship evolved. Thank you for allowing me to be in your circle.  I will miss you.

Denise Wright Walton
DCPS/EE-SS
Jacksonville, FL.

Donna, I have missed you so much this past year while you were so sick,I pray you are resting in peace now Donna. My sympathies to her personal family.  Her work family will forever miss her happy smiles.

Donna Taylor...a truly gifted and exceptional person; I was blessed to have known her.  My sincere sympathies to her MUCH loved family.

Oh my, the world is a sadder place without Donna's wonderfully infectious laugh.  She was a wonderful teacher and I was honored to work with her.  Did we ever have fun!  My deepest sympathy goes to her family.  I'll miss you, my friend!

Georgette & Family,
This is a loss that is truly immeasurable, and no parent should ever have to lose their child...at any age.  I pray that you will find joy and peace in the fond memories of years you spent together, and in knowing that her suffering has now past and she is with God, and with Dick, in heaven. God bless you through this very difficult time~

Steven and Douglas my thoughts and prayers are with the both of you, you had a wonderful mother and she will be missed dearly. I will always remember her smile and jolly laugh.                                                   Love Mrs. Butler

Donna lived her life with zest and passion. She loved her boys and family intensely and was a generous and loving friend.  She touched many lives and will be deeply missed.

I was delighted to have known her. It was a joy to go to those Thursday night classes. She was wonderful, and loved by all who knew her. She'll be missed.

Donna was a very special person who never met a stranger. Her laugh was uplifting and could turn a bad day into a good day. She loved her boys, Steven and Doug, and always encouraged them with a "Good Job!". Always think of the good times and happy times when you think of her and she will always be with you no matter where you are.  Donna touched a lot of people and I will miss her as will a lot of people who's path she crossed.  My sympathy goes out to her family during this difficult time.

To Martin and the family,  Your loss is too great for words.  I will treasure always my memories of Donna and her passion for educating our children.  She shared many of her teaching materials with me when she left the classroom years ago and I will continue to use them with her memory in my heart.
God bless you all in these difficult times.
Janet Rodesney

My memories of Donna go back to the age of 12. We had such wonderful times together.  Sewing, cooking, the John Denver concert in our senior year; driving the "Black Bomb" all over the beach, singing to the Captain and Tenelle.  I miss you Donna.  To her children: Steven, Doug; my heart breaks for you, as I know what it's like to lose your Mother.  To the rest of her family, I am truly saddened and sorry for you loss.  

With Deepest Sympathies,

Gina Crevar

Donna's laugh was uplifting. She was a sweet soul and a cherished friend.
I am so sorry for your loss. No words are enough at this time. Her love for her family will extend well beyond this life.

OBITUARY

Donna M Taylor

29 April, 1957 – 21 June, 2012

Hardage - Giddens Chapel Hills Funeral Home and Cemetery

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