Donna Claire Shirley of Jonesboro departed this life on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at The Springs Nursing Home in Jonesboro. She was born on December 20, 1946, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, to Ned and Jewel Ward.

Donna was of the Methodist faith and dedicated many years of her life to serving others as a mental health paraprofessional until her retirement. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures, including sewing, solving puzzles, and reading (especially travel and romance novels). She cherished time spent with her family and loved traveling to visit her brother and sister. Following her retirement, Donna and her husband, Wayne, enjoyed exploring the country together and taking cruises, creating lasting memories along the way.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Donna is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Wayne Shirley of Jonesboro; her brother, Larry Ward of Knoxville, Tennessee; her sister, Nedda (Danny) Swift of North Little Rock, Arkansas; and nephew, Evan Swift.

The family will hold a burial at a later date.