Memorial Services for Donna Sue Dixon, Age 64 of Ava, Missouri will be held on Friday, May 8th, 2026 at The Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava, Missouri, beginning at 6:00 PM. Visitation will precede the service, beginning at 5:00 PM/
Donna Sue Dixon, 64 years, 7 months, and 8 days old, passed peacefully on April 29, 2026, at Cox South Medical Center in Springfield, Missouri, with her family by her side.
Donna had a rocky introduction to the world on September 21, 1961, in Houston, Missouri. Born with an open spine, she was taken to Springfield, where her journey truly began. With the love and support of her parents and the Crippled Children’s Clinic, Donna learned to walk with braces and crutches. Even though she had disabilities, she still had chores as a child and learned a good work ethic from an early age. Determined and strong-willed, she went on to live a full life—traveling, driving, and eventually living independently in Ava, Missouri.
Donna’s work was mostly through volunteer service, but she took each role seriously and gave her best in all she could do. She was a member of Kiwanis for several years, volunteered at Skyline School, and helped with Faith Meets Foster, Go Blue Child Abuse Awareness, and Terrific Kids, among others. She also served as editor of the Friendship Crusader newsletter.
Donna was saved at the age of 12, baptized, and remained a faithful member of Friendship Freewill Baptist Church throughout her life. In later years, she also attended Ava General Baptist and Destination Church. She loved music, particularly Southern Gospel music, and enjoyed both listening and singing. When she could no longer attend services in person, she remained devoted—watching sermons on TV, reading her Bible, and keeping up with her daily devotions. Her smile, perseverance, integrity, kindness, and love for the Lord were always evident.
Although Donna never married or had children of her own, she loved her family fiercely and never missed sending birthday greetings to the whole “big bunch” individually. As long as she was able, she attended family events, games, plays, and music programs. One particular bright spot in her life was driving her “baby sister,” Tiffany, to countless rehearsals for Little House Memories in Mansfield. Donna always said she didn’t have favorites, though her family liked to tease her about Tiffany holding that spot.
Donna is survived by her loving mother, Vera Dixon of Ava; and her siblings: Helen (Rick) Batten of Ava; Marvin (Jemi) Dixon of St. Louis/Florida; Penny (Anthony) McNeill of Kansas; Michael (Tanya) Dixon of Ava; Tamara (Steven) Collins of Ava; and Tiffany (Terril) Jones of Battlefield. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews: Jacob (Mandy) Batten, Jenifer (Roman) Atchison, Ashley (Nick) Brooks, Josh (Ellen) Dixon, Caleb (Jessica) Dixon, Mandy (Cory) Schmidt, Megan (Weston) Wilson, Gage (Mikayla) Dixon, Cruz (Natalie) Dixon, Brittney (Zach) Powell, Kristen (Jimmy) Camp, Derek Camp, Lauren Collins, Zachary, Dalton, and Ashlyn Jones, along with a wonderful bunch of great-nephews and great-nieces.
Donna was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Roper and Elva Dixon; her dad, Bob Dixon; and her brother, David Dixon; and maternal grandparents Henry and Helen Elliott. Her parents and paternal grandparents gave her roots for a faith-filled life of love and determination.
