Donna Jean White

She was born on July 27, 1933 in Canton, IL to Elmer and Flossie (Loveland) Murphy.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers (Bobby Murphy, Lester Murphy and infants, Chester Murphy and Lloyd Murphy), and five sisters (Nancy Florea, Lillian Oliver, Linda Green, Beverly Layne and Sharon Southwood).

Donna is survived by a special sister-in-law, Hilda Murphy, as well as her four children – a stepson whom she loved as a son, Donald L. White Jr.- Peoria, and daughters Debbie (Victor) Kraft - Peoria, Patty (John) Graves -Pekin, and Cathy (Rodney) Stum – Cuba, IL. She was blessed to have six grandchildren, Christine White, Angela White, Donald L. White III, Nic (Crystal) Rowe, Megan Rowe, and Bret (Devin) Rowe. She also had six great grandchildren.

Donna will be remembered for her love of family, her faith in God and compassion for those less fortunate. She was a wonderful daughter, sibling, friend and an especially loving mother and grandmother. She had a very special lifelong friendship with her sister Nancy and missed her terribly after her death. Our mother’s love and support were something we will forever be grateful to have experienced.

Donna completed a successful 40-year career at Caterpillar attaining a management position in the cafeteria prior to her retirement. She was hard-working, dedicated, and professional.

Traveling, exercising, dog walking, reading, word find puzzles and family time was at the top of Donna’s list of things she enjoyed. She traveled to many continental and foreign destinations with her flight attendant daughter, Patty, and they shared many wonderful adventures. Our beautiful mother raised us with discipline, love and unconditional support and as we matured, she became our best friend who will be very much missed in our day-to-day lives. Her smile was genuine and pure and up until her last days, those who knew her were always happier when they got a “Donna” smile.

During her final years, Donna called Apostolic Christian Skylines her home and our family could not be any more grateful for the loving, compassionate and dignified support they provided her during her final miles of life. These employees have all earned their wings in heaven for their outstanding care of our mother. We also appreciated the support Donna and the family received from the OSF Hospice team.

A funeral service will be held at 11 am on Friday, May 17, at Davison-Fulton-Woolsey-Wilton funeral home in Peoria. Pastor Scot Shelburne will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service from 10 to 11 am at the funeral home on Friday. Inurnment will take place at Springdale Mausoleum on a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Apostolic Christian Skylines in Peoria.

You may view Donna’s obituary online at www.Woolsey-Wilton.com