Donna Lorelle Stilwell's Obituary
Decatur-Donna Lorelle Stilwell, 54, of Decatur, passed away January 5, 2011 in Boynton Beach, Florida.
Services to celebrate Donna's life will be 11 a.m. Saturday, January 15, 2011 at the First United Methodist Church, 201 W. North St. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the services at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church or to a charity of the donor's choice. Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home is assisting the family with these arrangements. Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
Donna was born August 14, 1956 in Decatur, the daughter of Ralph and Jean Stilwell. She attended Decatur schools and was a student at the University of Illinois at Chicago, Circle Campus for two years. While living in Chicago she appeared in industrial shows, studied voice and dance, and did several shows, one of which was 'A Midsummer's Night Dream' in which she appeared as one of the Dreamettes.
She was a fit-model for many large clothing companies in New York City spanning twenty years, and later worked in Florida as a fit-model for Black and White in the corporate office.
As a child she starred as Helen Keller in 'The Miracle Worker' and as Brigitta in 'The Sound of Music' at The Little Theater on the Square in Sullivan. She also appeared there in many other productions.
Donna adored her large family, her precious dogs, modeling, cooking, walking on the beach, taking trips, the theatre, and being with friends. Donna was a member of First United Methodist Church.
She leaves behind her mother, Jean of Decatur, brothers; Steve and wife Madeline of Tempe, Arizona, Greg and wife Kristen of Rowlett, Texas, sisters; Diane husband Richard of Chicago, Darla of Phoenix, Arizona, Debra of Pleasant Plains, and Dawn and husband Chris of Chesterfield, Missouri. She also left much loved nieces and nephews; Michael, Megan, Justin, Taryn, Brenna, Sara, Sidney, Steven, Kyle, Brent, Kelsey, Keith, Michael, Douglas, and Jasmine.
Donna was a sweet, caring, loving, person, who was always going, out her way to help or brighten the lives of others. Heaven now has one more, bright star.
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