Donna Jean Smith

December 1, 1941 — March 9, 2026

Osawatomie, Kansas

Donna Jean Smith, age 84, of Osawatomie, Kansas, passed away Monday, March 9, 2026.

Donna was born December 1, 1941, in Osawatomie, Kansas. She was the third of five children born to Wendell and Dorothy (Orr) Turner. She grew up in Osawatomie and graduated with the Osawatomie High School Class of 1959.

On January 16, 1967, Donna and Clarence Smith were united in marriage in Paola, Kansas. Five children were born to this union: Bradley, Derrick, Andre, Justin, and Deeanna. During their marriage, Clarence served in the United States Air Force, and the family moved to several different bases before returning to Osawatomie in 1980.

After returning home, Donna began working as a registered nurse at Osawatomie State Hospital, where she faithfully served until retiring in the early 1990s.

In her free time, Donna enjoyed crocheting, embroidery, and ceramics. In her younger years she was also an avid bowler. She loved collecting M&M memorabilia and coins, and on Friday nights she could often be found playing BINGO at the VFW. Clarence and Donna attended the Ebenezer Baptist Church of Osawatomie. Donna was well known for her strong personality—she was a true spitfire who never hesitated to speak her mind.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence Smith; infant daughter, Deeanna Smith; sons, Andre Smith and Justin Smith; her parents, Wendell and Dorothy Turner; and siblings Wendell “BoBo” Turner Jr., Thomas “Tucker” Turner, and Alice Holt.

Donna is survived by her sons, Bradley Smith and Derrick (Cheryl) Smith; grandchildren, Derrick Jr. (Kayla), Devan (Hannah), Mercedes (Clay), Clay (Chase), Lyric, Daray, Deanna, Romeo (Lilliana), Corey, James, and Everleigh; great-grandchildren, Kaliyah, Parker, Sula Jean, Silas, Derrick III “JuJu,” Clarence, and Kain; her sister, Delores Davis; as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Visitation 1-2 p.m. Thursday, March 19, 2026, at Eddy Birchard Funeral Home. Service 2 pm following visitation. Burial at Osawatomie Cemetery.

(Published in the Linn County Journal on March 13, 2026.)