“I’m not in the depths of despair this morning. I can never be in the morning. Isn’t it a splendid thing that there are mornings?”
– Anne of Green Gables
Donna Mary Searcy Williams, age 82, died peacefully in Harrison, Ohio on October 20, 2025, at 10:30 AM. She felt no despair that morning as she was fully healed and restored in her Savior’s peace.
Born on June 9, 1943, in Cincinnati, Ohio to James Cobbs and Margaret Mary (Krummen) Searcy, she was daughter number four of seven children. She followed Marjorie Ann (Bill Ennis), Jean Frances (Rev. Yung Chen) and Joan Frances (John Roa). Her parents and these sisters have preceded her in death. Her three youngest siblings Sandra Kay (Steve Briggs), James William (Linda) and Amy Lori Searcy (Bob Bibbo), together mourn her passing.
After graduating high school, she accepted a position at Fernald Atomic Energy Processing Plant as Secretary for the Chief of Security. Her most challenging workday was in 1963 when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated, and the government-run facility required total shut-down. Another challenging role (though we say a “joy”!) was her title as Mom and Grandma. Her joy lives on through her daughter Kris Schlemmer Lutz (Jeff), her son Marc Schlemmer (Elizabeth), and granddaughters Kayla Lutz Knigga (Mitchell) and Shelby Lutz.
Donna married Donald Howard Williams on May 8, 1981, and they were blessed with 32 years together. They built a legacy of commitment to each other, family, and the Centerview Farm homestead. Farming days are long, and the work can be hard when raising grain, hogs, and cattle, but there was never a shortage of love and laughter. Donna’s warm hospitality, love of conversation, and energetic spirit made the farm a welcome gathering place for friends and extended family. Time will pass and the land will evolve, but we hold tight to those memories.
Volunteerism and dedication to her local community was a cornerstone of Donna’s life. The Indiana Lieutenant Governor recognized Donna’s efforts and her leadership by conferring upon her the Golden Hoosier Award in 2008. Donna’s assistance in the restoration and preservation of LaRue School No. 1 allowed that one-room schoolhouse to serve as living history for Indiana schoolchildren. She played a significant role in local historical societies and in the compilation of a Whitewater Township oral history book. As a member of Rockdale United Methodist Church, Donna served as a Sunday School teacher, youth group leader, and held other leadership positions. She was deeply involved in the Indiana United Methodist Women, elected as the New Castle District President. It was with this group that she served as a delegate to speak at the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, showcasing her passion for global concerns.
Donna loved words. She read them, wrote them, and quoted them. Donna’s famous lists were filled with them! Naturally, her life was surrounded by books: schoolbooks and yearbooks (she was a proud WHHHS Class of 1961 graduate); library books (for both her children and herself); history books (especially American women in history) and cookbooks (we will never forget her yeast cinnamon rolls, Chocolate Crinkle cookies, French silk pie, and coleslaw). Donna loved reading scripture from the greatest book of all, and she learned that scripture at her church home of over 70 years in Rockdale, Indiana.
Friends and family are welcome to gather for Donna’s services on October 27, 2025. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, with funeral service at 1:00 PM, held at Rockdale Community Church (1195 Johnson Fork Rd, West Harrison, Indiana 47060). Graveside service will follow. Memorials may be made in honor of Donna Williams to Rockdale Community Church (1195 Johnson Fork Rd, West Harrison, IN 47060) and/or charities near to her heart: M.A.D.D. (511 E. John Carpenter Freeway, Irving, TX 75062) or Safe Passage, Inc. (101 Sycamore St, Batesville, IN 47006).
“Remember me as I used to be.
Think of me; remember my smile,
the love we shared; linger awhile.
I am at Peace now, I am me.
At rest for all eternity.”
– Jennifer Alderton