Donna G. Smith

Donna Barnett Smith
1948-2025
"There is comfort in knowing she is home, reunited with those she loved, where joy has no end."
Donna Barnett Smith, age 77, passed away peacefully at Community Hospice. With her devoted sister by her side. Donna went home to be with the Lord on November 21, 2025. It was a homecoming like no other when she was reunited with husband and Daughter.
Donna was born in the late days of summer on August 23, 1948, in Kenova, WV. She was the blessing of the late Paul and Charlene White Barnett. Donna had a creative spirit about her and the Lord blessed her to see beauty in everyone and everything. She used this gift in her crafts. Donna created treasures that her family will cherish for a life time. She also had a knack for flowers. Donna could arrange flowers into the most gorgeous array of buds and blossoms. That talent is what made her asset when she was working at County Gardens Flower Shops. Donna went to beauty school and became a hair dresser.
Although Donna spent many hours at the flower shop, and did a lot of hair, she will be most remembered for her work as a bus driver for Boyd County Schools. Donna's friendly face on the bus will forever be remembered by the children she drove "to and fro" from school.
Donna had an unwavering faith in her Christ and Savior. She was an active member of First Baptist Church of Cannonsburg. Alongside her late husband John, she served the church in many roles. Donna was a member of the Choir, served as treasurer for the American Heritage Girls, a troop of ladies that the Church chartered, and she made sure the church flowers were perfect for every service held there. It was her love for Christ that put Donna in the Christmas spirit every year. Soon as the wind blew in Winter, Donna was ready to put her tree up every year. She spent hours upon hours making sure every ornament and every branch was perfectly placed.
Donna was loved by so many and her quick wit personality always made her a joy to be around. Her passing leaves a void in the life of her family, her friends, and her church. She was more precious than rubies and will be remembered and talked about for many moons to come.
Donna leaves behind one grandson Timothy Jason Keyser, two special great-grandbabies, Taylor Armstrong, and Ellie Rakes, her devoted sister Tina Bush and her husband Gary of Catlettsburg, KY, sisters-in-law Glenna Hopkins and her husband Terry of Patriot, OH,Essie Smith of Lancaster, OH, Debbie Hall of Ashland,KY and Nancy Hall also of Ashland,KY, and many neices nephews,great neices and nephews,extended family members and friends. Also surviving is Heidi and Phillip "Brother Cuz" Smithers, of whom was very special to Donna. Heidi always answered the call for whatever Donna needed and alongside Tina, the two stood by Donna through anything.
In addition to her parents, Donna is reunited with her beloved husband, John Smith who passed earlier this year, and her Daughter Debra Lynn Lawson, and grandson Matthew Dillon Armstrong.
A funeral service to honor the life of Donna will be held on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, beginning at 3pm, at First Baptist Church of Cannonsburg, with Pastor Lee Jackson officiating the service. Visitation for friends and family will take place prior to the service from 1pm to 3pm. Donna will be laid to rest following the service at Golden Oaks Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Sign Fund at First Baptist Church of Cannonsburg at PO Box 5094, Ashland, KY 41105.
Online condolence may be sent to the family from our website at kilgorecollierfuneralhome.com or on Facebook at Neal-Kilgore & Collier Funeral Home.
Neal-Kilgore & Collier is honored to be caring for Donna Barnett Smith.