Donna Jean (Searcy) Blades

Donna Jean Blades, 74, passed away on January 9, 2026, at Winter Haven Hospital in Winter Haven, Florida. She was born on December 26, 1951, in Chester, Illinois, to Dorothy and Ellis Eugene Searcy.

Donna was a longtime resident of Marion, Illinois, and most recently resided in Winter Haven, Florida.

She is survived by her loving husband, Alan Blades of Winter Haven, Florida (formerly of Marion, Illinois); two daughters, Wendy Sens and her husband Brian Sens, and Becky Crouch and her husband, J.D. Shelton; and two stepsons, Brad Blades and his wife, Ericca Heim of Eugene, Oregon, and Eric Blades of Marion, Illinois. She is also survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Linda and Larry Wood of Rolla, Missouri; one niece, one nephew, and four great-nieces and great-nephews.

Donna devoted her life to caring for others. She genuinely cared about people—not only their physical well-being, but how they felt emotionally. She retired as a Registered Nurse from Herrin Hospital, where she worked in the Acute Rehabilitation Department. Throughout her nursing career, Donna helped countless patients recover from surgeries, always taking the time to get to know both her patients and their families. Helping others filled her heart and gave her deep purpose.

Outside of her career, Donna enjoyed sewing, quilting, and crafting, and was always searching for her next creative project. She loved dogs almost as much as she loved people. Her beloved canine companion, Molly, preceded her in death in the summer of 2025, and Donna missed her dearly every day.

Donna will be remembered for her kindness, compassion, and the genuine care she showed to everyone she met. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched through her work, her creativity, and her love for family and friends.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Smith Cemetery in rural Carbondale, with Pastor Matt Brown officiating.

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