Donna F. Warner

Donna F. Warner (aka Meemom, aka Momma Donna), 89, of Creve Coeur, passed away at her home on Monday, July 14, 2025. As she started talking about and planning for her later years, Donna was very clear that she wanted to live in her home, be fiercely independent, and go quietly, without fuss or muss. Known to have a slight stubborn streak by her family, she got exactly what she wanted in her passing. Donna was born in Peoria on August 27, 1935, to Arleigh and Tressie (Gentry) Lawrence and grew up in Mossville, IL. Donna was married to Robert (Bob) Thompson, and she supported him in his dreams to become an OB/GYN. She then married Glenn M. Warner at Washington Christian Church on July 15, 1977, and enjoyed thirty-three years of marriage and companionship. They loved to bowl and were a part of several bowling leagues. Donna was very proud of her turkey pins! Glenn preceded her in death on March 12, 2010. After his passing, she attended and later facilitated a grief share group, where she built many impactful and beautiful relationships. Donna was also preceded in death by her sister, Shirley Emken; brother-in-law Everet; son-in-law, Scot (Benny) Brown; nephew Lawrence Emken; and niece Rayann (Emken) Hardy. Donna is survived by her two daughters, Nykie (Jeff) Neuenschwander of East Peoria and Holly Thompson of Springfield, and by her stepchildren, Jeffrey Warner of Creve Coeur and Cynthia Bordner of Florida. Meemom, named by her grandsons, is also survived by grandchildren Haydn, Dylan, Derek, Xaria, Ralph, Amanda, and Nick; and great grandchildren, Lilli, Bryson, Shelby, Sophia, Isabela, and Gabriel. Donna was employed by CILCO in her early work life and later was a valued employee and community member at Morton Community Bank until she retired 20 years ago. After retirement, Momma Donna lived her best life. She watched all the Hallmark Christmas movies ever made and had a passion for old movies by Alfred Hitchcock, starring folks like Cary Grant and Doris Day. They never got old to her. She also got her hair and nails done religiously, went to church, and had lunch with “the girls.” In retirement, Donna became a voracious reader. This journey began curiously when she found a copy of Twilight, which led to a full-on infatuation with the series. Interestingly, the pop-cultural introduction developed into an exploration of all things Jane Austen and related. She even went on a quest in London to find the grave of a knight, who was featured prominently in some of the books she loved. Donna always loved to cook, entertain, and care for her family. She was known for her delicious coconut cream pies and scandalous devil’s food cakes. Momma Donna always dreamed of traveling and carried a lifelong obsession with Paris. The intrigue was so strong that the two dogs she owned throughout her life, Fifi and Bridgette, were French poodles. In her love of travel, Momma Donna did get to experience Paris and England. She walked through beautiful Parisian gardens, picnicked at the Louvre, ate “real French onion soup,” and engaged in some hilarious lawn bowling. In London she visited the historic Hyde Park and savored the experience of high tea at the Orangery. She even danced at a “speakeasy” in the English countryside. Although not really a “musical person,” Momma Donna LOVED Barry Manilow and would chuckle when talking about a concert DVD that she adored and viewed often. She traveled to Las Vegas for his “goodbye tour” and decided once wasn’t enough for a goodbye, so she went to see him again with her daughters in St. Louis. Goodbyes are hard for a reason. She will be missed by her daughters when they need a recipe, a laugh, a good talk, or a hug. She will be missed by her larger family for all of the delicious holiday meals, birthday wishes and dishes, and general hospitality. She will be missed by her grandchildren for her fashionista senses, epic water balloon battles, slip and slide fun, and the respite she provided in tough times. Although as Barry knows well, goodbyes are so painful, she will be remembered for all of the love, humor, honesty, and joy that she brought to the world. A Funeral Service is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on Monday, July 21, 2025, at Gary Deiters Funeral Home & Cremation Services in East Peoria, with Visitation from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. Pastor Bill Holley will officiate. Burial will follow at Fondulac Cemetery in East Peoria. Memorial contributions may be made to Creve Coeur Christian Church. Online condolences may be left at www.GaryDeitersFH.com.

Donna F. Warner

August 27, 1935 - July 14, 2025