Donna Jean Baggett

Donna Jean (Boston) Baggett went home to her precious Lord and Savior on December 27, 2025, in Talihina, Oklahoma, surrounded by her loving family and favorite Christmas decorations. Born on November 2, 1944, in Poteau, Oklahoma, Donna was the oldest of four children born to George Edward and Sella Delois (Mayo) Boston. Her childhood was filled with the simple joys of small-town life, making cherished memories playing outside with neighbors, cousins, and friends, and spending lots of time with family. She grew her faith as a devoted Christian at Talihina First Baptist Church, where she was baptized and later married. A proud graduate of Talihina High School in 1962, Donna was an honor student, FFA Sweetheart, cheerleader, and Homecoming attendant. Most importantly, it was within those special halls that she met the love of her life, Bill Baggett and they began an extended courtship. Donna dedicated her life to caring for others. She earned her Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) degree from Grayson County College in Sherman, Texas, in 1963. After returning to the Talihina area and working briefly for the Choctaw Nation Health System, she furthered her education at Sparks School of Nursing in Fort Smith, Arkansas, where she earned her Registered Nurse (RN) license in 1967. She graduated with honors and served as a student council officer and editor of the nursing school newspaper. On September 21, 1968, Donna married Bill Baggett, and the couple began their life together in Tahlequah, where Donna worked as an RN for the Cherokee Nation Health System. Between 1971 and 1977, they were blessed with three children: Shannon, Brax, and Amy. In 1981, Donna and Bill returned to Talihina to raise their children closer to extended family and grandparents. Donna then began a long and distinguished career at the Talihina Veterans Center, serving as a charge nurse, in-service education coordinator, and ultimately Director of Nursing until her retirement in 2004. Her commitment to healthcare extended well beyond her role at the center; she taught CPR classes to countless medical professionals and served on the advisory board for the nursing program at Kiamichi Technology Center in Talihina. Life outside of work centered on her family and their small ranch just outside of town. Donna loved raising her family alongside Bill and was often found helping care for the animals, which varied in type and number over the years. Her favorite moments were quiet ones-sitting on the porch or by the pond, enjoying a cup of coffee and watching the birds, especially in later years with her grandchildren by her side. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy, and anyone who spoke with Donna knew she would proudly tell them how wonderful all four were. They loved spending summers and weekends with her and she attended their games and activities faithfully until she was no longer physically able. Donna also cherished being part of a large extended family and enjoyed many treasured vacations, family gatherings, and holidays with her brother, sisters, and their families. She was affectionately known by her nieces and nephews as "Aunt Don the Great." Donna was a passionate supporter of Talihina High School, cheering on her children and grandson Rhett in their many activities. In recognition of her dedication and volunteer service, she received awards from the FFA and FHA chapters at THS. She was also a devoted patriot and steadfast caretaker of veterans. Donna was a founding member of the Kiamichi Valley War Memorial Association, which helped bring the veterans memorial to Talihina, and she was an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary and a faithful volunteer with the Talihina VFW for many years. Additionally, she was a life member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Most notably, Donna's life was marked by an unwavering call to serve. Care was her hallmark; family, friends, and patients alike knew they could rely on her for fairness, compassion, and complete trust. She was deeply loved by her employees at the Veterans Center, many of whom continued to visit and honor her long after her retirement. They often said she was the best "boss" they ever had because she made them feel valued. In her later years, one of Donna's greatest joys was cheering on her "boys" of the Oklahoma City Thunder-a pastime that brought her much happiness, especially when they won the NBA championship earlier this year.

Donna was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bill Baggett; her parents; and her younger brother, Jimmy Dale Boston and a special brother-in-law, John McLemore.

She is survived by her loving children: Shannon Phillips of Talihina; Brax Baggett of Muskogee; and Amy and Cory Bruce of Choctaw; two sisters, Martha McLemore and Janice Lawson (Paul), both of Talihina; and a special cousin, Janella Morgan. Donna's legacy lives on through her four grandchildren-Rhett Norbury, Clancy, Addison, and Camden Bruce-as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

The family extends special thanks to Dr. Janet Garvin for her excellent care throughout the years, and to Talihina Manor and Heart of Hospice for their compassionate care in Donna's final days.

Pallbearers are Rhett Norbury, Cory Bruce, Clancy Bruce, Camden Bruce, Paul Lawson, Jeremy Lawson, Jabe Lawson, and Clint McLemore.

Visitation will be on Tuesday December 30, 2025 from 5:00PM to 7:00PM at McCarn Funeral Service in Talihina at 500 Dallas Street Talihina, Oklahoma 74571

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 31, at 10:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Talihina, with interment immediately following at Old Talihina Cemetery. Services have been entrusted to McCarn Funeral Service.