Donna McAllister

Donna Genean (Seymour) McAllister, aged 91, of Memphis, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on August 9, 2024. She was born on January 28, 1933, to Lawrence and Grace S (Plunkett) Seymour in Palestine, Illinois. Donna was a spirited and loving individual known for her energetic and determined nature.

She graduated from Robinson High School in Robinson, Illinois, and became a wife and homemaker. She became a mother to six children. In 1967, she and Fred moved to Kahoka to raise their family. As the children got older, Donna went to work at Reitz Fabrics store and became a well-known seamstress. She was very skilled at making and altering clothing, including wedding dresses. Donna’s passion extended beyond her family and professional life into her community involvement. She loved the Lord and read her Bible daily. She owned several bibles and reference books for her studies. Her love for music was evident as she played the piano or organ in several churches throughout her life. She enjoyed singing and was in the choir when she wasn’t accompanying them on the piano or organ.

After retirement, she and Fred moved to Fairfield Bay, AR. It was in Arkansas that Donna was an active volunteer for a hospice and the Van Buren Senior services. She not only had a regular route delivering meals to homebound residents, but Donna also served on the board.

Donna was also an avid gardener possessing a deep knowledge of indoor and outdoor plants which she loved to share with others. She also enjoyed the changing of seasons and appreciated going for a ride in the fall to see the colors of the trees. Donna did return to Kahoka for a few years and special memories were made with her local grandchildren. As her needs increased and she could no longer live alone, she moved to an assisted living facility in Memphis, TN where she was able to be closer to her remaining children.

Donna is survived by her children, Julie O’Day of Memphis, Tennessee, Jerry (Mary) McAllister of Birmingham, Alabama, James (Reta Hollbrook) McAllister of Fairfield Bay, Arkansas, and Sue (Steve Yates) Johnson of Kahoka, Missouri, along with 26 grandchildren. She recently responded to a question about the number of great grandchildren with “You’ll need a calculator.” There are 42 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild.

Donna was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Fred McAllister in 2005; her sons, David Fuller and Doug McAllister; and her sister, Emma Allen.

Her legacy of love, music, and community service will be remembered by all who knew her.

There will be a Celebration of Life Visitation with family present held on Sunday, September 8, 2024, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the Clark County Senior Center in Kahoka, Missouri. Memorial contributions in memory of Donna are suggested to the Clark County Senior Center, and may be left at Wilson & Triplett Funeral Home in Kahoka, Mo. You are invited to share your memories of Donna and leave a condolence at www.wilsontriplett.com.