Donna Dianne (Eggerman) Stephens, 86, of Taylorville, IL, passed away on December 6, 2024, at 10:59 a.m. She was born February 19, 1938, to Maxine Clements (Cleo) Brower and Clifford (Virginia) Eggerman. Donna lived a life full of love, devotion, and service to her family, friends, and community.
On November 25, 1956, she married the love of her life, Donald Stephens at Davis Memorial Christian Church, and together they shared a bond that lasted over four decades before his passing. They had two children: Donald Ray “Donnie (Chris) Stephens and Dawn (Gregg) Crites.
Donna was a proud 1956 graduate of Taylorville High School, and her commitment to her community and her family remained a cornerstone throughout her life.
Donna was a lifelong member of the Taylorville Chapter 1263 of the Women of the Moose, serving as Senior Regent for many years. She was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Beta Epsilon Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha International Sorority where she served as treasurer, and the Taylorville Business and Professional Women’s Club. Her dedication to these organizations reflected her generous spirit and desire to contribute to her community.
Professionally, Donna began working at Illinois Consolidated Telephone Company while in high school. She returned to the company on October 8, 1970, and spent more than 20 years in service before retiring.
An Avid golfer and exceptional bowler, Donna was known for her competitive spirit and enjoyed decades of high games and series. Her enthusiasm for sports brought her both joy and lasting friendships.
Donna’s greatest pride was her family. She is survived by her daughter, Dawn (Gregg) Crites and her grandchildren: Gatlin (Shea) Crites, Zac (Mallory) Crites, Samantha (George) Seaver, Kryshna (Christian) Crowder, Cody Crites, Chase (Lacey) Crites, Gunnar Stephens, and Trey Crites; as well as 13 great-grandchildren, all of whom were a source of immense joy in her life. Donna’s siblings were Marjorie (Dave) Adams, Edward (Bennita) Brower, Ernest (Judy) Eggerman, Larry (Pat) Eggerman and Nancy Jane Eggerman.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Don; her son, Donnie; her brother, Ernie; her sister, Nancy; and her brother-in-law, Dave.
Donna’s love, laughter, and kindness will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her legacy of love, service, and devotion will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.
The family will receive family and friends at Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville, IL from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 14, 2024. A funeral service will take place following the visitation with Pastor Dennis Metsker officiating. A graveside service will follow her service at Fraley Cemetery.
Sutton Memorial Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Please sign our online guestbook at suttonmemorialhome.com.
