Donna Lou (Foster) Church
L&G
Lewis & Gillum Funeral Homes
202 Maple Ave., Oak Hill, Ohio 45656
(p) 740-682-6696
Donna Lou (Foster) Church, age 83, was ushered into the presence of her Lord and Savior on September 4, 2022, after a lengthy journey with Alzheimer’s. Her final days were spent surrounded by family and friends that Donna had touched in some small way throughout her memorable life. Donna was born on May 26, 1939, in Ironton, Ohio to the late Lewis C. and Florence Irene (Noe) Foster. She was the loving mother of three daughters and one son.
Donna loved people and was known for her infectious smile and servant’s heart. While her children were growing, Donna was described as the “mother everyone wanted”. From her days of fortune telling at school carnivals to singing and dancing with a house full of friends, Donna was full of life.
For years, Donna enjoyed working at Big Bear in Jackson and serving the surrounding area as the local “Avon Lady”. She also worked with special needs children at Hope Haven in Jackson. She was a born-again Christian who enjoyed singing for the Lord. Donna was a member of Liberty Baptist Church and sang with the Headed Home Gospel group until moving to North Carolina.
Donna never met a stranger. While in North Carolina, she continued to serve while working at Barium Springs Home for Children. Donna loved her dogs, tending her flower garden and laying in the sun. Her life was lived with the “glass half full” mentality.
Despite the slow, painful progression of Alzheimer’s, Donna fought daily to maintain her spunk and sass. She never lost her love for music, dancing, and loving people. Her life was a living example of Ephesians 4:32 — “And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.”
While Donna’s memory may have forgotten the events she cherished so dearly, her heart always remembered her love for family. She spent her final days being loved by a caring and compassionate staff at Four Winds Community in Jackson.
Donna is survived by her daughters, Vicky (Craig) Oiler, Columbus, Ohio; Tami Cote, Fayetteville, North Carolina; Teresa Lewis, Mooresville, North Carolina; and her son, Michael (Thressia) Roach of Jackson, Ohio; grandchildren, Ashley Oiler and Nathan Oiler, Columbus, Ohio; Spencer Cote and Sydney Cote, Fayetteville, North Carolina; Courtney Royall, North Wilkesboro, North Carolina; Kaylyn Lewis, Mooresville, North Carolina; Lakin (Chris) Owen, Hilliard, Ohio; and Jordan Roach and Jade Roach, Jackson, Ohio; a great-granddaughter, Brylee James Marie, Columbus, Ohio and two great-grandsons, Patrick and Parker Owen, Hilliard, Ohio. All of these she loved and touched deeply.
Public visitation will be Friday, September 9, 2022, from 11-1 at the Lewis & Gillum Funeral Home of Oak Hill. Funeral services will immediately follow at 1:00. Burial will follow in CM Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Four Winds Care Community, Resident Christmas Fund, 215 Seth Avenue, Jackson, OH 45640. Online condolences may be sent to www.lewisgillum.com.
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