Donna P. Sisson

Donna Pauline (Friend) Sisson went to be with her Lord Sunday, June 1, 2014 at 9:30pm, at home, surrounded by her family and friends. Donna was born to Paul and Doris (Ingram) Friend on August 26, 1933. She was born and raised in Kilbourne, IL. She married Marcus Lyle Sisson on July 15, 1956 at the Kilbourne Baptist Church. He survives. Donna is also survived by her family – sons, Jeffrey (Linda) Sisson, Jonathon (Malissa) Sisson and daughter, Janna Pettet; grandchildren, Joshua Sisson, Jennifer (Brian) Smith, Nicole (Shaun) Pappalardo, Nathaniel (Amy) Sisson, Catherine (Jason Mullen) Pettet, and Rebecca Sisson. She was blessed with five great-grandchildren – Hayleigh and Emaleigh Pappalardo; Gavin Epping and Caitlyn Mullen; and Lillian Sisson. Her brother, Ronald (Bonnie) Friend, also survives. Donna was predeceased by her parents, daughter Jennifer Louise, granddaughter Amy Christine and great-grandson Chance Werry. Donna graduated from Kilbourne High School as Valedictorian and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Education from MacMurray College in Jacksonville, IL. She completed her Master’s Degree in Guidance Counseling at Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL. Donna was a teacher and guidance counselor for several years for the Havana, Balyki and VIT School Districts as well as Spoon River College. She developed grants for parenting skills and other classes for the general public. Donna led her students to a bright future, encouraging them to strive for their best. Donna served on the Havana City Council and was a member of American Association of University Women, Delta Kappa Gamma, American Business Women’s Association, Red Hat Society, American Counseling Association, Springfield Ceramic Craft Club, Spoon River China Guild and Havana First Baptist Church. She was honored as the Illinois Elementary Guidance Counselor of the Year in 1976; International Who’s Who of Professionals in 1996, MacMurray College Alumni Association Community Service Award in 2005 and Cambridge Who’s Who Registry of Executives and Professionals 2007-2008. Donna enjoyed her involvement in all of her activities always deriving pleasure and energy from her friends and positions held in each group. In 1998 she and Marcus opened “Sisson’s Country Inn”, a local bed and breakfast, featuring warm hospitality and delicious food. Donna received recognition from the National Honors Society Who’s Who for “exemplary contributions to the National Standards of Professionalism within the Field of Hospitality”. She was a gracious hostess, welcoming her guests into her home, just like family. Visitation is Wednesday, June 4, 2014 at Hurley’s Funeral Home, Havana, from 5-8pm. Funeral is Thursday, June 5, 2014 at the Havana First Baptist Church at 11am with visitation one hour prior. Burial will be at Laurel Hill Cemetery. Pastor Dave Byrd will officiate. There will be a luncheon at the church after the graveside service. As an alternative to flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to Havana First Baptist Church, Kilbourne Community Center or Havana Public Library District. Online memorial messages may be left for the family at www.hurleyfh.com Hurley Funeral Home in Havana is in charge of arrangements.

Donna P. Sisson

August 26, 1933 - June 1, 2014

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