Donna Mae Johnson

Donna Mae Johnson, 68, of Petersburg, Illinois, passed away March 25, 2024.
Donna Mae Johnson was born April 26, 1955. She was the daughter of Alvin and Claudine Pepmeyer and the sister of Rebecca Laumeier (Robert) of Penn Yan, New York. Donna had two children; Rod A Lane Jr (Kelly) of Springfield, Illinois and the late Stephanie D Lane (d. 2020).
She took great pride in being a mother and held great pride for her children and their interests. Donna loved theater and was active in school and local community theater, even getting a small part in a movie, Charming Billy, filmed locally. Donna was an avid writer and would often be typing into the night as her children slept. She composed poems, short stories and plays that she hoped would one day be published. She self-published a book entitled "Violet Bloom" which comprised a selection of her writings. Donna married her best friend Danial Johnson April 4, 1992 and referred to him as "God's gift to me." She enjoyed day trips with him often and loved him deeply. She would say with a smile, "they said it would never last and look at us now!" Donna is the proud grandmother of five grandchildren: Isaiah Lane, Jasmine Constant, Landon Lane, Andrew Constant, and Mairin Lane. She loved spoiling them on Christmas mornings and always made every event special. She loved her family and gave of herself tirelessly with her kids, grandkids, and husband. Donna enjoyed long talks with her son one on one anytime she got the chance and gave priceless input and advice. She enjoyed creating dollhouses, most recently having completed several with her dear friend Nita. She put together and painted a restaurant, two cabins, several houses and even a church which she has on display in her home. Donna held many friends close to her heart including her church family at New Hope.
Her daughter Stephanie preceded her in death March 30, 2020. Donna expressed a joy in knowing God and knowing she had a place to go in her eternal rest. She was ready.
She leaves behind her husband, sister, son, and five grandchildren.
A Visitation will be held Friday, March 29, 2024, beginning at 10:00 a.m. with a Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. at Sandridge New Hope Baptist Church, 15777 E. Oakford Ave., Petersburg, Illinois 62675. Interment will follow at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Havana, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Donna at Sandridge New Hope Baptist Church.
Hurley Funeral Home in Petersburg, Illinois is in charge of arrangements.