Donna Gail Parsons, age 78, of Jacksonville, Florida, entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior on April 25, 2026.

Donna was born on May 10, 1947, in Totz, Kentucky, to Mildred Cottrell McKelvey and Lenard George Coffey.

After marrying her beloved husband, Paul, Donna began their life together in Norfolk, Virginia, where he proudly served in the United States Navy. During this time, they formed lifelong friendships that remained dear to them throughout the years. Following Paul’s honorable discharge, they returned to Harlan, Kentucky, where they raised their three children and built a life centered on faith, family, and community.

Donna faithfully supported Paul in his service as a Deacon and Cub Scout Master at Calvary Baptist Church and Riverside Baptist Church before they later became members of Harlan Baptist Church. Together, they developed lasting friendships within these church communities—relationships that not only shaped their own lives but also deeply influenced and enriched the lives of their children.

Donna was a devoted Christian who accepted Christ at a young age and lived her life as a reflection of her faith. She was a current member of Kernan Boulevard Baptist Church, where she faithfully attended and was part of Ken Hardy’s Sunday School class. Throughout her life, Donna served alongside Paul as a Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School worker, and nursery volunteer, touching countless lives with her kindness, compassion, and servant’s heart.

A loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Donna dedicated many years as a homemaker, raising her family with love, strength, and unwavering devotion. After her youngest graduated from college, she began working with Paul at CSX Corporation in Jacksonville, Florida, where she worked for eight years and Paul for 36 years. She and Paul shared the special milestone of retiring on the same day, marking the end of their professional careers and the beginning of a new season together.

Donna was known for her warmth, hospitality, and generous spirit. Her home was a place of gathering, where she often said she “fed a small army,” as family and friends were always welcome at her table. Thanksgiving held a special place in her heart, as it was not only a time to celebrate with loved ones but also to honor her wedding anniversary.

She cherished time with her family and friends—whether traveling back home to Kentucky and Tennessee, visiting amusement parks across the country, enjoying roller coasters, or later in life watching her grandchildren experience those same joys with delight.

Her life was guided by her favorite scripture, Proverbs 3, especially verses 5–6: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths.”

This verse was not only her favorite but a reflection of how she lived her life—with deep trust in the Lord and faith in His plan.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved grandmother, Momaw Cottrell; her father- and mother-in-law, Paul Bailey Parsons, Sr. and Lorene Parsons; her aunts and uncle, Evelyn Cottrell, Helen (Ed) Blanton, and Geneva (Pete) Hatmaker; and her cherished puppy, Happy Girl.

She is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Paul Bailey Parsons, Jr., of Jacksonville, Florida; her children: Paul (Sherry) Bailey Parsons III of Corryton, Tennessee; Gregory (Joanie) John Edward Parsons of Nicholasville, Kentucky; and Donna Danielle (Steve) Updegraff of Jacksonville, Florida. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Gregory (Bethany) Parsons Jr. of Wilmore, Kentucky; Gabrielle (Jeremey) Kelm of Nicholasville, Kentucky; Justin (Nikki) Burke of Harlan, Kentucky; Jackson Parsons and Johnathan Parsons, both of Lexington, Kentucky; and Stephen and Joelle Updegraff of Jacksonville, Florida. Her great-grandchildren include Gregory III “Tripp”, Ryland, Bailey, Devin, Nya, and Jaidens.

Donna is also survived by her brother- and sister-in-law, Bill (Ginger) Parsons of Loyall, Kentucky; cousins who were like sisters, Phyllis Russell of Atlanta, Georgia, and Judy (Bob) Rhea of Harlan, Kentucky; and many beloved nieces and nephews, including Lori “Nikki” Parsons-Dotson (Drew and Eli) of Richmond, Kentucky; Jeff (Beth) Russell, Shane (Mamie) Russell, and Bobby (Brooke) Rhea of Georgia; and Kent (Janet) Hatmaker of Seymour, Tennessee.

A celebration of Donna’s life will be held on May 6, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Kernan Boulevard Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Florida. She will be laid to rest at 2:00 PM at Jacksonville National Cemetery.

Donna’s life was a testimony of faith, love, and service to others. She leaves behind a legacy of devotion to Christ, deep love for her family, and a life that reflected kindness, hospitality, and unwavering faith.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23

The family is deeply thankful for the care, support, and compassion shown by the Community Hospice & Palliative Care team, both in-home and at the Community Hospice Center for Caring at Baptist Medical Center South, whose kindness and dedication brought comfort during this time.

This obituary is courtesy of Anderson Laws and Jones Funeral Home.