Donna Williams

Donna Marie (Baw/Henderson) Williams, died June 26, 2024. She was born in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri in 1936 to William and Mary Baw. She graduated high school in Ste. Genevieve in 1953. Donna married Don Henderson in 1954. They started a family and lived in Farmington, Missouri. They soon found themselves moving to Springfield, Missouri in 1962 where they raised their 3 children Mike, Dana, and Tracy.

Donna was a homemaker and volunteered within her community and worked with the local Welcome Wagon. She was a phenomenal cook and homemaker. As her children grew, she started working at Springfield City Utilities as a customer service representative. She loved her coworkers and her newfound career. She worked diligently and became the customer service manager. She then met Robert (Bob) Williams and they married in 1978.

Donna worked in retail and volunteered at Mercy Hospital. She loved her grandchildren and her great grandchildren. Being in the kitchen was a gift she gave to her family. She taught them how to cook, preserve, and present. Donna was also quite the bridge player and she played the game for over 60 years!

We’ll always imagine hearing her say ”older than Methuselah”, “it’s worth a fortune”, “love you more”, “touch it and it’ll kill ya”, "if I had a brain I’d take it out and play with it”, “we’re in business, monkey business”, “just ain’t got no sense to come in outta the rain”, “I’m happier than a pig in slop”, “it’s 5:00 somewhere”, “weaker than a pet coon”, and, last, but certainly not lease, “Don’t forget the tax!”. We couldn’t have asked for a better
granny/GG and she will be missed.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her brother William (Bill), and Robert (Bob) Williams.

She is survived by her children Mike (Robbin) Henderson, Dana (Jett) Stubbs, Tracy Ray (Steve Bach), and Anna (Williams) James Barksdale, sister Glorine/Snooky (Bob) Warwick, sister-in-law Alice Baw, nephew Ed (Debbie) Baw, niece Teena (Dave) Naeger, and countless cousins, nieces and nephews.

Though Donna loved her children, cooking, and bridge, her favorite role was that as granny/GG. She treasured her time with her grandchildren, never failing to teach them tricks in the kitchen, how to present themselves, or to make them laugh at one of her notorious quotes.

Chris, Christy, Jett, and Taylor Stubbs
Corey, Lauren, and Evan Stubbs
Casey, Lana, Emma, Samuel, and MayRee Stubbs
Michelle & John Chase, Mason Hoffman, Brooklynn Jackman, Anderson Hoffman, & Jordan
Chase
Dustin, Debbie, Abigail, Judah, and Ezra Ray
Robert, Jessica, Macy Claire, and Brynlee James
Andrew, Morgan, Emory, Ryder James, and KinleeRose Waltman.

Donna had many friends over the years, and she will be greatly missed. Her friends and family had a few things they wanted to share:

“Donna and I didn’t grow up together, but in our later years it was amazing that we had so many things in common. We both overly clean, we liked to drink coffee from a narrow cup, we unfortunately smoked the same cigarettes, we emptied our change purses and would leave 4 quarters in it. I can’t believe how many things we would say and do at the same time. Donna and I share a special “sister” relationship. We would talk about everything including how we felt about the people we loved and those we didn't. My Donna was a tough cookie. She always said what was on her mind whether it was the right thing to do...which, sometimes I had to remind her that some things are better left unsaid! I can remember her asking me, “Sis, is it 5:00?” I said, “No, it’s only 4:00”. “Well, it’s 5:00 somewhere!” That was the first time I had ever heard that. We laughed so hard till we cried. My sister went through a lot in her life. Raising 3 children on her own, caring for her mom, and dealing with a lot of stuff and anxiety until the end of her mom’s life. Even with her tough exterior, when she loved, she loved with her whole being. For years we would have a girly week with our sister-in-law and two of my nieces. OMG, we laughed so hard all week. We were like schoolgirls. Our love was honest and sincere. We were always there for each other. Our memories will stay with me for as long as I live. And, when the time comes, I look forward to continuing our sisterhood when my time comes.
Love you always sis!!!!!
--Snooky

We are deeply saddened by the loss of our beloved Granny GG. We will always cherish the moments we shared with her. Granny GG’s warmth, kindness, and unwavering love touched our lives in profound ways. Her legacy of compassion and joy will forever be remembered, and she will be greatly missed by all of us. Growing up, some of our fondest memories revolved around the time spent with Granny Gigi, especially during the holidays. She was an incredible cook and took great joy in teaching many of us the art of cooking. We spent countless hours in the kitchen making jelly and learning to create delicious desserts. Her generosity knew no bounds—Granny GiGi was always willing to give of herself, her time, her money, and her resources to show how much she loved all of us. Her selflessness and love have left an indelible mark on our hearts. Granny Gigi, “We love you more”
--Chris Stubbs and family

Your mom was a family icon that brought smiles and laughter to us all and you always knew her opinion.
--Terry(Miller)Martin

As I sit here reminiscing on all that was, she taught us how to dress, make apple butter, and how to always carry oneself in style.
--Anna Barksdale

My granny was more than a grandma, she was a second mother to me. She was there to raise me and my brother when my mom had school or had to work late/on-call. She was also there to help me raise my boys. Even though we had our hard times, the good ones always outweighed the bad. I’m going to miss her more than she will ever know. I love you more granny.
--Michelle Chase

You were there with me when I took my first breath, and I was there with you when you took your last.
--Love Tracy

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00am Saturday, August 3, 2024 at Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home, 500 E. Walnut Street in Springfield, Missouri with Father Tom Kiefer officiating.

Permanent online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com.