Donna Susan Jackson

Donna Susan Jackson was called home to the Lord on Thursday, October 12, 2023 at the age of 70.  She was born December 6, 1952 in Houston, Texas to parents Turner Standley and Emma Sue Downing Steelhammer.  She married the love of her life, Vivian Jackson, on March 28, 1975, and they had four children together, keeping her busy as a homemaker for nearly fifteen years.

Caring for others was second nature to Donna so it was no surprise when she chose nursing as a career.   After caring for her husband through his battle with cancer, Donna went back to school to become a nurse and raised her four children alone, never remarrying.  She worked professionally at Dr. Phil’s office in Coldspring and then retired from Woodland Park Nursing Home in Shepherd. 

However, looking after others didn’t end with each shift. She made sure her family and friends were taken care of, as she loved looking after old people and babies.  Donna had a fierce love for her children and grandchildren devoting herself in retirement to help bring them up.  She had plenty of hugs for people, often greeting others with “get over here and hug my neck” which could never be refused.

Donna is preceded in death by her husband, Vivian Jackson, parents Turner Standley and Emma Sue Steelhammer; twin brother, Don Standley, brother Earl Steelhammer and sister Jan Cantu.

She is survived by her children: David Lee Jackson (Linda), Vivian Denise Geraci (Rich), Susan Francita McLaughlin (Stuart), and Vivian Justin Michael Jackson (Melanie); Siblings: Thomas E. Standley (Cora), Alice Jean Yarbrough, Edward Steelhammer (Margaret).  Stepchildren: D’wana Bryant, Bruce Long.  Grandchildren: Austin Lee Jackson, Caitlyn Lee Jackson, Christian McLaughlin, Evie McLaughlin, Elijah McLaughlin, Lori Geraci, Jenna Geraci, Chris Geraci, Beau Jackson, Luke Jackson, and Tyler Jackson; Nieces and nephews: Velma Phlegm, Merle Phlegm, Buck Phlegm, Royce Carter, James Carter, John Jackson (Jimmy Lee), Julia Pearl Jackson, Douglas Jackson (Sheila), Margie Burks (Stony), Rick Cantu (Doris), Debra Gilson (James), Emily Yarbrough (Jason), Amy Cantu, Michael Cantu (Leslie), Albert Steelhammer, Ben Stine, Danny Stine, Jimmy Steelhammer (Jennifer), Monra Harrop; and many other great nieces & nephews, cousins, family members and friends.

In true Donna fashion, her last wishes clearly stated she wanted everyone to be happy and to celebrate!  She did not want a funeral, she wanted a party because she is no longer with us… she is in the presence of the Lord. To honor her, please wear something colorful and join us as we celebrate a life well lived. Visitation will be on Friday, October 20th from 5pm-8pm at Pace-Stancil Funeral Home in Cleveland and a Celebration of Life service will be at 2pm on Saturday, October 21st in the Pace-Stancil Chapel. Burial will follow at Hayman Cemetery in Coldspring, and then a reception at Coldspring Community Center from 3pm-5pm.