Donna Sudduth Gunn

Donna Sudduth Gunn, a devoted Christian, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, teacher and friend will forever be remembered with matchless affection. How prodigious a life she lived with unparalleled devotion to God, family, and mankind. A gifted model of how one manifests fruit of the Spirit, she loved big, walked in joy, sought peace, suffered elegantly, was gentle and good, kept faith, remained meek, and prayed for and bore temperance all the days of her life.

Donna was born in Carbon Hill, Alabama to the late Cora Mae and Chester Sudduth on November 29, 1955.

As a Christian:

Donna loved the LORD with all her heart. Honor and praise of Him was the fruit of her lips daily, even in the midst of pain and suffering.

As a wife:

Don praised her in the gates even as she sought to be a Titus 2 wife and to bless him in every way possible. As she did to him, so he did to her even in her last days as he cared for her every need. Donna loved Don, and he loved her. In celebration of 40 years of marriage, they renewed their wedding vows in 2019. Don and Donna honored one another. She loved his family (brother, Mike; sisters, Althea Clay, Pamela Gunn, and the late Satina Staton) as her very own.

As a mother:

Meghan and Brandon Royster, J. Michael and April Gunn received amazing love and coaching from their dear mother. God allowed Donna to see far down the road, so that she might offer guidance to her children that would last for a lifetime. Donna loved her children; prayed for them; and was very proud of each of them.

As a grandmother:

Donna had the first letter of each of her grandbabies’ names on the wall in her bedroom with her favorite pictures of each underneath. Gigi loved Evan, Brooklyn, Madison, and Easton so much! Just the mention of their names brought the biggest smile on her face as she’d remark “those are my babies.” She shared their every milestone with family and friends. She reminded their parents to teach them about Jesus, even as she demonstrated powerful unconditional love to each of them.

As a sibling:

Brenda, JoAnn, Janet, Yolanda, and Sherree and their spouses meant the world to Donna. She cared for them with her whole heart. The joy and laughter they shared when together or apart was infectious. She prayed for them, and they for her.

As an aunt, niece, and cousin:

Aunt Donna loved her nieces and nephews and hoped the best in life for each of them. Donna looked forward to family reunions, where she could see her many cousins and other relatives. She enjoyed catching up on all the new about them and their families, their joys and sorrows. Donna’s aunts Magnolia Fairley, Carolyn Morgan, and the late Maxine Petty were dear to her. She kept in touch and cared about their health and wellbeing.

As a teacher:

Mrs. Gunn was a wonderful and gifted educator, who taught for thirty-four years in Montgomery Public Schools. Parents and students at Bear Elementary and Forest Avenue Academic Magnet Schools requested to be in her classes; and when students left, they were very prepared for learning experiences at the next grade level. Even after graduating from high schools, students would often return to offer thanks to Mrs. Gunn, and to keep her posted on their achievements and plans for the future. Mrs. Gunn loved to teach and did it everyday of her life, even outside of the classroom. The way she lived her life was a lesson to be learned for many observers.

As a friend:

DG had lots of friends because she showed herself friendly. Donna had a great listening ear and cared about outcomes for her family and friends. DG did not rank people; she accepted just anyone who needed an ear and a caring heart. She freely gave of whatever she had to any who she believed needed it. She counted each friend as special and dear to her.

Donna is survived by her husband Donald Gunn; her children Meghan (Brandon) Royster and J.Michael (April) Gunn; her grandchildren Evan Royster, Brooklyn Gunn, Madison Royster, and Easton Gunn; her sisters Brenda Smith, JoAnn Miller, Janet Sudduth, Yolanda (Willie) Franks, and Sherree (Theodore) Solomon; her brother-in-law Michael Gunn; her sisters-in-law Althea Clay and Pamela Gunn; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

Covid-19 social distancing and state mandated face mask guidelines will be followed.