Donna Lynn Mastin Smith

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Donna Lynn Mastin Smith, 59, on August 16, 2023.

Donna was born in Mobile, Alabama, on February 3, 1964. She was raised in Mobile and was a student at Mary G. Montgomery High School and a graduate of Murphy High School, Class of 1982. She later graduated from Faulkner State University with an Associate's Degree in Applied Sciences with a focus in Paralegal Studies. In her early career, she worked in the law offices of Lee Stamp and Art Powell.

In 1988, Donna married Kenneth "Ken" Smith at Dauphin Way United Methodist Church in Mobile. She traveled the world with her husband, Ken, while he was enlisted in the United States Navy. Donna and Ken lived in London, England, Chicago, Ill., and Norfolk, Va., where she worked for the York County School Division.

Donna embraced the military subculture. Being a people person, she easily made friends wherever she went. She found a second home in the Navy's tight-knit community, especially when her husband was stationed in London, England, and Chicago, Ill. Donna played a vital part in helping Ken navigate his military career successfully.

In 1990, Donna gave birth to her only son Jonathan whom she loved with all of her heart. They held a very special bond throughout his childhood. While living away from home, Donna loved bringing her son on road trips back to Mobile. The two made many happy lifelong memories with her parents, sisters, and family in her childhood home on Greenwood Lane in Spring Hill.

Donna is survived by her son, Jonathan Mastin Smith, ex-husband Kenneth Smith, sisters, Cheryl Denice (Roger) Smith and Keren Joy (Ira) Rudnick, and her loving family, Michael Jernigan, Jr., Matthew Rudnick, Joseph Rudnick, Nathaniel Smith, and Nicholas Smith. Donna was preceded in death by her mother, Johnnie Mirl Sizemore Mastin, her father, Ferrell Joseph Mastin, and her beloved uncles, John "Sonny" Sizemore and Benjamin "Benny" Sizemore.

A memorial service to celebrate Donna's life will be held on Saturday, September 9, at Valhalla Funeral Home located at 8730 Sims Road in Eight Mile, Ala. Friends and family are invited to attend and pay their respects. Family will begin receiving guests at 9:00 a.m. The service will begin at 10:00 a.m.

Flowers are welcomed by the family. You are also encouraged to make a donation in Donna's honor to the Wings of Life Recovery Home in Mobile, Ala., by visiting wings-of-life.org or calling 251-220-2865.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." - Matthew 11:28