Donna King Obituary
She came into the world in Knoxville, Tennessee on August 29, 1959 to Bill and Hazel "Dood" King, and was the baby sister to Mike, Susie and Steve. Donna was a graduate of Rule High School (c/o 1977) and Knoxville Business College (c/o 1979) before going to work at Knoxville Police Department as a records clerk until 2001. She then worked as a special education teaching assistant for Knox County Schools, joining the staff at Dogwood Elementary until she retired in 2021. She also loved working special events parking at The University of Tennessee for 22 years.
Donna loved all sports but most of all she loved UT football and she was always down to tag along for a road trip, especially to the beach! She had a loving way about her and was generous almost to a fault.
Donna's unexpected passing comes as a shock to her family, friends, and loved ones, who are still reeling at the loss. Her greatest joy in life was being a momma to her daughter and Nonna to her precious grandsons. She was taken far too soon and will be sorely missed from those who knew her.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents Bill & Hazel King and her big sister Sherri "Susie" King. She is survived by her daughter, Alesha Morgan Phipps, her grandsons, Cameron and Colby Isbel, James Phipps, father of Alesha, her brothers Mike King (Debbie) and Steve King (Theresia), her lifelong best friend Melody Phillips (Gary) and Susan Bankston,and many nieces and nephews.
The family will hold a Celebration of Life service on Thursday, May 1, 2025 at 6:00 pm at Redemption Harvest Church, 7824 Old Maynardville Pike, Knoxville, Tennessee, 37938.
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Imogene Weaver
May 1, 2025
Donna you came into our family over 40 years ago, our family get togethers will not be the same without you,we will sure miss your famous Pumpkin Pies, I love you my Bonus Daughter, this is not goodbye,I will see you another day,
Cassi Whaley
May 1, 2025
In loving memory of a wonderful person. Ms. Donna was a literal angel & welcomed me into her home no matter what time or when, without even a knock. She said she loved me like her own & I'll never forget our rides in the car talking about her "love" for Tyler. lol... I dread your presence not being at home but just know I'll do anything in my power for Alesha & the boys, but I think you already know that. We will love you and miss you always.
Ron Weaver
April 30, 2025
Donna was a sweet girl with a heart of gold. She will be missed, but we will meet again one day.
Kenneth
April 27, 2025
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
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Lana Gibson
April 26, 2025
Donna,my Mountain Dew kid. I love you so much. You Edith and Susie are gonna Rock the Gates of Heaven. I sure hope the are prepared. Lol taken to soon. Always in my heart. Never forgotten.
Linda DeLaneuville
April 26, 2025
I've only known Donna a short time but considered us friends. We met at the Hallmark Christmas Extravaganza in Kansas City this past November and became fast friends. We were both big Tyler Hynes fans. Kept in touch over the past months. Shared a boot shot glass with my new friend and shared our enjoyment of Tyler movies. We were planning on meeting in New Jersey this year for the rom com convention. She was a sweet lady. She loved her daughter and grandbabies. I will miss the conversations and our friendship. Prayers for her family and friends. God has gained a new angel. Sincerely Linda DeLaneuville
Brenda
April 26, 2025
You will be greatly missed.
Misty Stiff
April 25, 2025
Not my blood but one sweet lady. She was Kelli´s Aunt Donna so she was mine too. Thats how we roll. I have nothing but beautiful memories of her and laughter of fun things thru my childhood. She was a good one. I told Kelli the other day that Heaven must be ringing with giggles because her and Sherri together again meant nothing but joy and trouble. God Bless you, Donna.
Phyllis Cunningham
April 25, 2025
My dear sister, i love you fly high Donna
Stephanie Lechtemberg
April 25, 2025
We were so sorry to hear of Donna's passing. Loved seeing her at the games. I know she will be truly missed. Marv and Steph Lechtenberg
Melody phillips
April 25, 2025
Donna you left us to soon. We still had to many things to do. Our girls trips were always the best. I honestly at still at a loss and trying to process I can't talk to you anymore. So so much I could say, but I will say it to you when I see you again. RIP. I love you.
Susan Bankston
April 25, 2025
I could always count on Donna to help me out or come along on an adventure. I loved it when she and I would head out to some unheard of place to pick up something I had won on an auction. It was always good to be in her presence. We shared a room in Las Vegas on vacation. We laughed and had such a great time. Donna never said a bad thing about anyone. I have seen Donna go thru difficulties and hard times that would have broken most people, but she endured them with the outlook that things would get better. I've seen her smile and laugh when I wouldn't have been able to get out of bed and function. I will miss going somewhere and not picking up my friend to go with me. My heart and spirit are breaking. I miss my friend!
Brenda Lane
April 25, 2025
So sorry for your loss. I didn't know her well but was always pleasant to me and I found her to have an awesome sense of humour. Prayers to all she held close. Brenda Lane
Heather P
April 25, 2025
Donna brought a light to this world that is irreplaceable. She will be missed by many.
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