Donna Rose Stafford went home to be with the Lord on June 11, 2007, after a courageous battle with cancer. Donna was born April 3, 1945, in Springfield, Ohio, to Rosie B. Smith and the late Leonard C. Smith. She was a graduate of Springfield South High School. Donna was inducted into the Alpha Kappa Sorority, Inc. at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, where she earned a B.S. degree in Medical Technology/Zoology. Her Medical Technology internship was at Mt. Carmel Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. Donna worked at Davidson Laboratory immediately following graduation. She also worked at Columbus Pathology. She was employed at the Mt. Carmel-St. Ann's the majority of her work career. Donna was a Hematology Supervisor for 15 years and retired from St. Ann's in July 2004 with 22 years of service. Donna joined St. John Baptist Church in Springfield, Ohio at the age of 13. After graduating from College she did follow the Baptist Covenant and joined Shiloh Baptist Church. Donna was a faithful and devoted member and served as a Trustee, a Hattie Jackson Guild Girl Counselor, Chairman of the Library Committee, Book Club Leader, representative on the Compass Partnership Committee, member of Sunday School Class no. 7, member of the board for the Missionary Circle and the E.B. Delany Missionary Society. Donna always enjoyed her fun time. She was an avid reader in her free time. She would plan many different activities and would share the fun times with many friends. Dear friends that shared in the fun times and were always a strong support system were: Angela D. Stafford, Dr. Rena L. Parks, Thelma Cross, Connie Oliver, Jackie Dawkins, Anderson Reed, Katherine Proctor, the Robert L. Cherry family, Gary Sims Family, John Lawson Family and William Bella Family. Special times were also shared with her Delta Phi Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority sisters and a host of special friends. Many of her friends had been in her life for decades and she loved them dearly. Laughter was good medicine and Donna's laughter will be long remembered. During the final years of Donna's life she participated in clinical trials through the James Cancer Hospital hoping to be of service to other women suffering from metastasized breast cancer. Donna was also a solicitor for American Cancer Society for many years. The final journey was completed with the comforts of the outstanding attention given by Mt. Carmel Hospice. Special thanks of gratitude would like to be extended to nurse Pat Kuhner. Pat your presence was a great comfort. Proceeded in death by father Leonard C. Smith, special aunts Esther Mc. Donald and Edna Lacy, uncles Eugene Smith and Ben Lacy and friend Joy Meeker. She leaves to celebrate the memory of her life, mother, Rosa B. Smith; one loving and devoted daughter and caregiver, Angela Stafford (RaShawn); grandson, Khalil A. Gordon-Stafford; sisters, Lynne(Eric) Burbage and Elisa K. Smith; god child, Whitney Cherry; nieces, nephews, cousins, and her Church family and a host of special friends. Her courage and optimistic outlook on life made her an inspiration to many. Funeral 11 a.m. Friday, June 15, 2007, at the Shiloh Baptist Church, 720 Mt. Vernon Ave. Dr. Oltha Gilyard, Officiant. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Interment Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Shiloh Baptist Church E.B. Delany Missionary Society. Arrangements by C.D. WHITE AND SON FUNERAL HOME, 1217 Mt. Vernon Avenue.

Submitted with honor and respect.