Donna Mae Brewster's Obituary
Donna Mae Annis Brewster, 97, passed away on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in Decatur, IL.
She was born at home in Mattoon, IL, on December 3rd, 1927, to the late Frank Wesley Annis and Leona Carlyle Annis. From her earlier days attending class in a one room school house and homesteading in Wyoming, Donna saw the world through a lot of changes in her 97 years.
Most of her life was spent alongside her husband, the late James L. Brewster. The two met at work while living in their hometown of Mattoon, both employed at the local telephone company. Their first date was a trip to the state fair. They were married on August 29, 1954, and spent nearly 64 years together until James passed away on February 22, 2018.
Donna was a caregiver by nature who loved children and finished her working years in childcare. She was a long time Sunday school teacher and enjoyed sharing what she was learning. She taught home economics for several years. Perhaps her greatest joy was caring for her family, raising them with grace and love. Her grandchildren were her greatest treasure.
The Lord was the center of Donna’s life. She was a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church, where over the years she participated in Senior Choir, performing with hand bells, and getting together with other ladies in the Red Hat Society. Throughout her life, she had other hobbies as well - square dancing, gardening, sketching, painting, and reading the daily newspaper and devotionals.
In addition to her parents and husband, Donna is preceded in death by: two brothers, Robert Annis and Dale Annis; one sister, Maxine Reinhart; and one great-granddaughter, Esther Rae.
Those left to cherish her memory include: two sons, Kevin Brewster and wife Mary Kay, Darwin Brewster and wife Connie; two siblings, Rose Annis Shirley and husband Bill, Lawrence Annis and wife Shirley; ten grandchildren, Adam Brewster, Jason Brewster, Wesley Brewster and wife Becky Mayo, Kaylee Schindel and husband Michael, Melody Joaquin and husband Elias, Emily McLaughlin and husband Yates, Devin Brewster and wife Jenny, Michael Brewster, Catherine Mudd and husband James, Grace Weaver and husband Ryan; and five great-grandchildren (as well as one still on the way).
Visitation for Donna Mae Brewster will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, July 21, 2025, at Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, with Funeral service beginning at 11:00 AM. Afterward, Donna will be laid to rest alongside her husband in Boiling Springs Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Baptist Children’s Home, 949 County Road 1300 N, Carmi, IL 62821.
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