(SOMERVILLE, TN) The legal community and residents of Fayette County are mourning the passing of the Honorable Donna Kay Anthony, a dedicated public servant and former Associate 37th Circuit Court Judge, who passed away on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. She was 67.
Known for her sharp legal mind and unwavering commitment to the justice system, Judge Anthony’s career spanned nearly 38 years, leaving a lasting impact on the courts of both Missouri and Tennessee.
A Legacy of Law and Education
Born in Memphis in 1958, Anthony’s journey to the bench was rooted in a deep love for education. Before entering the legal field, she shared her passion for literature as an English teacher at Fayette Academy, holding both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Education from the University of Memphis.
She later transitioned to law, graduating from the Washington University School of Law in 1989. Her legal career was marked by a fierce dedication to indigent defense, serving as a Public Defender in Poplar Bluff and a District Defender in West Plains, Missouri. In 2008, her peers recognized her excellence with the “Defender of Distinction” award.
In 2018, Anthony reached the pinnacle of her career when she was elected to the bench as an Associate 37th Circuit Court Judge, where she served with distinction for five years before retiring to her home in Fayette County.
Faith and Family
Beyond the courtroom, Judge Anthony was a pillar of her church communities. Whether teaching Sunday School at New Hope Baptist in Missouri or attending Kirk Baptist Church in Tennessee, she was known for her devotion to youth ministries and Bible study.
An avid genealogist, she spent years tracing the Anthony family roots back to England. When not researching history, she was often found exploring the world with her niece and nephews or tending to her beloved dogs, Mo and Abby, and her chickens at home.
Service Information
A celebration of Judge Anthony’s life will be held on Thursday, March 26, at the Peebles West Funeral Home in Somerville.
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Visitation: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
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Funeral Service: 1:00 PM (Officiated by Brother Danny Spurlock)
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Interment: Magnolia Cemetery, Collierville, TN
For those unable to attend in person, the service will be available via livestream. In honor of her lifelong commitment to children and faith, the family requests that donations be made to the Missouri Baptist Children’s Home or Missouri Baptist Bible Drill in lieu of flowers.
Judge Anthony is survived by her brother, John Richard Anthony; her niece, Jenna; and her nephews, Luke and Ryan. She was preceded in death by her parents, John Elgin and Sally Belle Anthony.
