Donna Lea (Francis) Farris

Donna Lea Farris, 65, of Goreville, passed away Wednesday, August 5, 2020, at her home, surrounded by her family.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 12, 2020, at the First Baptist Church in Goreville, with Rev. R.G. Null officiating.  Burial will be in Busby Chapel Cemetery in Goreville. Visitation will begin after 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 11, 2020, at First Baptist Church in Goreville. DUE TO HEALTH CONCERNS RELATED TO COVID-19: visitation limit of 50 person capacity at one time; funeral limit to 50 persons; facial coverings required; and social distancing yourself from others.

Memorial contributions can be made to Donna Farris Endowment Fund for  John A. Logan College Nursing Students c/o Southern Trust Bank, 101 N. Broadway, Goreville, IL 62939.

Donna was born October 29, 1954, in Porterville, California, to Robert Lynne and Naomi Ilene (Arrowood) Francis. She married Stuart Robert Farris on August 31, 1974, in Goreville.

She is survived by her husband, Stuart Farris of Goreville; daughter, Corrie Lynn Farris of Goreville; sons, Samuel Aaron (Jennie) Farris of Springfield, Tennessee and Robert Matthew Farris of Goreville; mother, Naomi Ilene Francis of Goreville; brother, Robert Mitchell Francis of Goreville; sister-in-law, Sedef Francis of Los Angeles, California; several nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.

Donna was preceded in death by her father; sister, Sandra Lynne Smith; brother, Kenneth Michael Francis.

She went to great lengths to achieve and complete her education. She obtained her Associate's Degree from Shawnee Community College, her Bachelor's of Nursing Degree from SIU-Edwardsville, and her Master's of Nursing Degree from the University of Evansville. During her 30 years as a Nursing Instructor for John A. Logan College, Donna did more than instruct, she went above and beyond, inspiring her students through her dedication and love of nursing. Donna took a semester-long sabbatical to teach abroad in Canterbury, England.

Donna was a devoted wife and mother. She was an accomplished traveler and had visited the entire U.S. and much of Europe including:  Italy, England, Ireland, Turkey, Jerusalem, and Israel, to name a few.  

Riggin-Pillatsch & Burke Funeral Home in Carterville is in charge of arrangements. 

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