Donna Lorene Wills (85) of Beecher City

Donna Lorene Wills, 85, of Beecher City, Illinois, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2025, at Willowbrook Memory Care in Vandalia.

Born on May 20, 1939, in Pomona, Illinois, to Riley and Doris Nobel. Donna's early years were spent in Murphysboro, where she laid the foundations of her lifelong commitment to learning, graduating from Murphysboro High School in 1957. She furthered her education at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, earning a bachelor's degree in elementary education in 1960. It was in the same year that Donna united in marriage with her beloved husband, Billy Wills, on June 18 at the First Baptist Church in Murphysboro. Together, they embarked on a journey of love and companionship that led them to Beecher City, where they settled and raised their family. Donna embraced motherhood with open arms, welcoming her children, Sally (Steve) Zimmerman, Joe (Lisa) Wills, and Mary (Nathan) Jesse. Her role as a mother was one she cherished deeply, as she balanced her time between nurturing her family and imparting wisdom to young minds. Although she began her teaching career in the Rockford School District, she soon found her calling teaching third grade in the Beecher City School District. After five years of dedicated service, Donna shifted her focus to raising her children and contributing to the family farm, though she continued to touch the lives of students through substitute teaching. Her love for her family was mirrored in her devotion to her grandchildren, Blake (Alisha) Faulkner, Andrew (Sarah) Wills, Carter Wills, Drake Ashley, David Zimmerman, Jake (Olivia) Wills, Rachel Zimmerman, and Jamesly Jesse. Donna relished in her role as a grandmother, and her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren, Draven Verdeyen, Sophia Faulkner, and Margaret Donna Wills. Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Riley and Doris Nobel, her loving husband, Billyand a sister in infancy. Donna's faith was the cornerstone of her life, and she demonstrated her commitment through fifty years of teaching Sunday School at the First Christian Church in Cowden. Her spiritual journey also led her to serve others on mission trips to Haiti, where she shared her compassion and teachings with those in need.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at Lockart-Green Funeral Home in Beecher City. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service. Following the services, Donna will be laid to rest in Bob Doane Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Donna’s honor may be made to the Beecher City Library. Family and friends are invited to light a candle or share a story by clicking here.