Donna Thomas

1945 - 2025

Donna Sue Hobson Thomas, 80, passed away on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo. She was born in Amory on September 11, 1945, to the late Arthur Audell and Minnie Sue Anderson Hobson. She is survived by her sister, Cheri Hobson-Estes (Danney), several extended family members and her beloved cat, Fuzzy.

For more than fifty-five years, Donna Thomas has been a steadfast presence at Itawamba Community College during an era that spans six of the College's seven presidents and reflects a lifetime of commitment to education, service and the advancement of ICC's mission.

Donna began her ICC journey on January 15, 1970, marking the start of what would become one of the longest and most impactful careers in the institution's history. Over the decades, she has served in numerous roles, each one building upon her deep dedication to the College and its people. Her titles have included Adult Basic Education Newspaper Editor, Continuing Education Director, Director of Publications, Director of Media Relations, and most recently, Director of Communications. She also shared her love for writing and storytelling in the classroom as an instructor of Journalism I and II within the Humanities Division.

Early in her career, Donna produced an adult education newspaper that reached across Appalachia, expanding ICC's educational influence beyond the campus. As an adviser for both The Chieftain newspaper and The Mirror yearbook, she guided generations of students who went on to earn statewide recognition for their work through the Mississippi Press Association and the Mississippi Junior and Community College Press Association.

Even after retiring from full-time service in 2013, Donna returned to ICC just three months later demonstrating that an early sign that retirement couldn't keep her from the place she considered home. Though officially part-time, she continued to serve well beyond her scheduled days, volunteering countless hours to projects that preserve and promote ICC's story. Her selfless nature and quiet leadership earned her the distinction of being the inaugural recipient of ICC's Golden Employee Award in 2023.

Throughout her career, Donna's influence has extended far beyond her job titles. She has been a loyal member of the College Public Relations Association of Mississippi (CPRAM), serving in nearly every leadership capacity including president, vice president, director and treasurer and receiving numerous top honors for her work. She has also served as secretary of the ICC Alumni Association, helping strengthen the bond between the College and its graduates.

Her service to community organizations mirrors her professional devotion. Donna has held leadership positions with the Pilot Club International, Kappa Kappa Iota, Lioness Club, the Union County Chapter of the American Red Cross, Selective Service and the Literacy Council. A lifelong member of First Methodist Church of New Albany, she taught Sunday School for more than 25 years and chaired numerous local and regional administrative councils.

Donna's contributions have been recognized through multiple honors, including the Meritorious Award (2013), the Distinguished Service Award (2023) and decades of statewide awards for excellence in public relations and journalism.

A native of New Albany, Donna graduated from W.P. Daniel High School Class of 1963, earned her associate degree from Northeast Mississippi Community College and her bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Mississippi. Though she began her educational path elsewhere, her heart and career have belonged to ICC for more than half a century.

Donna Thomas's legacy is one of unwavering loyalty, unmatched institutional knowledge and a servant's heart. She has shaped the image and spirit of Itawamba Community College for more than five decades quietly, faithfully and with a grace that continues to inspire those who follow in her footsteps.

Funeral services to celebrate her life will be at 2 p.m. Monday, November 17, 2025, at First Methodist Church, New Albany, MS. Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. at the church. Rev. Dr. Chris Carter will officiate. Burial will be at Vista Memorial Park in New Albany.

Pallbearers will be Dr. Jay Allen, Dylan Baldwin, Tyler Camp, Dr. Chad Case, Dr. David Cole, Dr. Buddy Collins and Tim Rowland.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorials be made to ICC Foundation, Inc., 602 West Hill Street, Fulton, MS 38853 or to New Albany First Methodist Church, 207 East Bankhead Street, New Albany, MS 38652.

United Funeral Service is honored to be entrusted with these arrangements. For online condolences and guest registry, please visit www.unitedfuneralservice.com.