Donna Jean Darby

Donna Jean (Cramer) Darby, 88, of Jacksonville, FL passed away on Sunday, February 9, 2025. Born in 1936 at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA, Donna Jean attended North Huntingdon High School where she first encountered the subject that would come to be her life's purpose – teaching others. After earning straight A's, Donna chose to attend Penn State University to pursue her favorite subjects. She was a founding member and first President of Alpha Phi Sorority at Penn State and a member of Pi Lambda Theta National Honor Fraternity.
After graduating from Penn State 1958, Donna Jean married her husband, Gregory Thomas Darby, Jr. The couple moved to Triadelphia, WV prior to moving to Florida. Donna and Greg had four children, all with families of their own.
Beginning in West Virginia, and continuing upon her arrival to Florida, Donna went on to pursue a lifelong career in education, starting out as a first and third grade teacher at Ortega and then Normandy Village Elementary schools. As she progressed through the years, she attended the University of Florida to obtain her Master's in Education while continuing to teach, and was awarded certification as a Title I educator. Donna went on to become an Elementary school principal and served many years in that capacity at Morse Ave., Beauclerc, and Timucuan Elementary schools for the second half of her career.
Upon retiring, Donna joined the University of North Florida working to "teach teachers how to teach." She continued mentoring people just starting out in the school system as well as those who were beginning their own second careers in education.
Throughout her life, it was not unusual for her to be approached by former students or colleagues who recognized her and expressed their gratitude for her influence on their educational journeys and in their life. Many credited her with inspiring them to pursue careers in teaching or education-related fields. Upon her retirement, she expressed her desire to leave a meaningful legacy that positively affected children's lives-a goal she certainly achieved.
Donna had a remarkable talent for uplifting those around her, always seeking to support others through their challenges and passions. She often found "teaching moments" in everyday interactions and was known for her encouraging mantra, "always leave them smiling." Whether at a restaurant, grocery store, or on the street, she made small talk with everyone she encountered.
She was well into her 60s when Donna demonstrated that it's never too late to learn, taking up ballroom dancing, which ignited a new life passion. She competed in dance events throughout Florida and nationwide, often returning home with first-place trophies.
Donna is credited for raising four equally tenacious, strong, and independent children. She was our biggest cheerleader and constant supporter; we would not be where we are today without her influence and direction. She is survived by three of her four children: Susan Gallagher-Tucci (Carlo Tucci), Michael Darby (Lisa Lambert), Jennifer Ter Molen (Matt Ter Molen); nine grandchildren: Charity Musselman, Stephen Darby, Andrew Ter Molen, Patrick Jacobs, Perry Ter Molen, Ryan Ter Molen, Robert Darby, Christopher Darby, and Elijah Darby; seven great-grandchildren: Lincoln, Theodore and Eleanor Darby, Olivia and Atlas Musselman, Palmer and Amelia Jacobs.
Donna was predeceased by her husband, Gregory T. Darby Jr., her son, Timothy Darby, her parents, Don and Betty Cramer of Irwin, PA, her sister Joanne Sleigh, and brother Bob Cramer.
Donna was a beacon of inspiration and will be profoundly missed by all whose lives she touched.
All services will be held at Jacksonville Memory Gardens & Cemetery, 111 Blanding Blvd, Orange Park, FL 32073 on Monday, January 17, 2025. Visitation will be 10am to 11am; Service begins a 11am with graveside service immediately following.