Donna Faye (Justice) Ingram, 71, of Rockport, Indiana passed away peacefully at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, TN surrounded by her family on Tuesday March 5, 2024.
Donna was born to Delores (Cross) Justice Benham and W. Verde Justice on June 18th, 1952, in Milan Indiana. She was a member of the Milan High School class of 1970 and married her high school sweetheart, Frank Ingram on November 28th, 1970, at the Milan First Baptist Church. They were blessed with two daughters Tonya and Ronda, and three grandchildren Whitley, Medley, and Daylen.
In 1975, they opened Ingram’s Greenhouse in Milan, IN and together they built a successful business where Donna got to enjoy “playing in the dirt”, landscape local businesses and make floral arranging for special events.
In 1983, Frank accepted a promotion with AEP which led them to leave their Milan roots and build a life together in Rockport, Indiana. It didn’t take long for them to find a new hobby in real estate management and development. Donna could swing a hammer, paint, lay flooring, make necessary repairs and never backed away from hard work. DIY was her mantra. She was not afraid to get her hands dirty, but when it was time to clean up, she was one of the “boujiest” women in the room. She loved her fur coats, bright colors, cheetah prints, anything that sparkled, lipstick, jewelry, and her signature scent of Estée Lauder perfumes.
Donna was the epitome of a homemaker, with her passion lying in the art of baking and cooking. Her warm hospitality and culinary skills transformed her house into a place of comfort and no one ever left hungry.
Her spontaneous fun-loving spirit brought joy and laughter to her family and friends. She was young at heart, always a prankster and a little mischievous. Donna taught us the meaning of living well, and uniting family. As a mom and Nanny, she showed her daughters and grandchildren how to live life to the fullest. They were her love and greatest priority, pride, and joy. She sacrificed her time and energy to give them the best that life offered.
Donna always listened with a compassionate heart and offered up the best encouragement. Everyone felt her positivity, lively energetic and fun loving spirit. She especially inspired Frank, her daughters and grandchildren through her example of Christ like love, kindness, and devotion.
Donna was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013, colon cancer in 2019 and advanced liver disease (likely caused by chemo) in 2021. She lived “Faith over Fear” and “I Can Do Hard Things!” paving the way for all of us. She taught us acceptance of harsh realities. Donna’s unwavering determination was truly inspiring. She exemplified strength and resilience, never relenting in her battle until the very end.
Donna was a joyful example of selfless giving to her family and friends alike. She was incredibly devoted and faithful to her beloved Frank and their family. Donna was always a gracious example of love and kindness. Her joyful exuberance for life was shared with so many as she touched their hearts throughout her life. Even after her life ended, she continued to give as an organ donor. Donna’s lasting testimony was to trust God and His plan for her, and in His plan for all of us. Words cannot express how greatly she will be missed. Her bright light will never fade from our hearts.
Donna is survived by her loving husband Frank, her daughters, Tonya Ingram of Rockport, Indiana; Ronda Kennedy of Evansville, Indiana; and her three cherished grandchildren Whitley Kennedy of Rockport, Indiana; Medley Kennedy of Bowling Green, Kentucky; and Daylen Kennedy of Rockport, Indiana; her sister Linda Weaver (Larry) of Winter Haven, Florida; sister Brenda Johnson of Milan, Indiana; Brother-in-law John (Lynn) Ingram of Milan, Indiana; Sister-in-law, Ada Jane (Ray) Vinup of Milan, Brother-in-law, James (Tracy) Ingram of Greensburg, Indiana; and Brother-in-law Jeff (Raydean) Ingram of Milan, Indiana and her many nephews and nieces. All of these she loved and touched deeply.
Donna was preceded in death by her mother Delores (Cross) Benham; Her father, W. Verde Justice and her stepfather, John F. Kash; Brother-in-law, Jerry Johnson; Mother-in-law, Patty Ingram; Father-in-law, John Ingram; Sister-in-law, June McAdams; and Brother-in-law, Dennis McAdams.
Visitation for Donna will be held Monday March 11, 2024, from 10 am-12pm at Neal’s Funeral Home located at 306 S. Walnut St. Osgood, Indiana 47037.
Funeral services will be immediately following the visitation, with Walter Phillips of Bethel Christian Center officiating. Burial will take place at Little Memory Old Regular Baptist Church Cemetery located at 5709 East Co. RD. 1150 North, Sunman, Indiana 47041
Celebration of Life honoring Donna’s memory will be held in Rockport, Indiana at a later date. An update will be posted regarding the event as we come together to cherish and remember the remarkable impact Donna had on our lives. Online condolences may be placed at Nealsfuneralhome.net