Donna Jean Blackketter McCrea at 89 years was received up into glory to be with The Lord Jesus on Sunday morning, March 31st, 2019 at approximately 3:15 A.M. CST. Donna McCrea was born on August 25th, 1929 in Bradenton, Florida to Donald Leper and Hattie Lee Henley Blackketter. She grew up in Clanton, Alabama. She loved to tell of her experiences as a girl being in her Daddy’s Yellow Front Store that he managed. She grew up into a beautiful young woman and attended Florida State University where she successfully graduated with a degree in music. While at FSU she had the starring lead in the first opera ever performed at FSU. There she met the love of her life Henry Vaughan McCrea and after she had begun teaching music for her first year in her career Henry and Donna were united in Holy covenant marriage that they abided in as one flesh their entire life. Donna being the most gracious and kind and loving mother and wife and never saying a harsh word to anyone all her life and always having the most beautiful smile on her face. She was most gracious in life and in her passing, which was in her home that she loved. Donna gave birth to four children, Vaughan, Benjamin, Jeanie, and Donna Lynn. Donna Lynn was the most special as she went to heaven after only six months of age. Surely Mama has seen Donna Lynn now. As a family, Henry, Donna, and their three children moved to Marianna, Florida in 1963 and in 1967 they moved into their special home which they cherished and raised their family in and lived in the rest of their lives. A book could be written about the memories and how special and loving Donna cared for and cherished her family. Donna spent most of her long career as an elementary school music teacher at Riverside Elementary in Marianna touching the lives of hundreds of students in her special way that only she could do. She is remembered so fondly by her students even today. Music was her destiny and calling which she fulfilled wonderfully ministering to the church through countless solo’s she sang with her beautiful voice and in the choir as a lifelong member of The First United Methodist Church in Marianna. Donna loved being with her family and caring for them and providing every need that she could. It was never about her. Henry and Donna traveled the world together. Donna instilled in her children love, kindness, respect, integrity, honesty, character, and much more and was the example of these things. Donna most of all loved her husband and children and would do most anything for them and those who came into her wonderful loving presence. Much more could be written about her life. Celebration of Life services for Donna McCrea will be held on Sunday April 7th, 2019 at The First United Methodist Church in Marianna, Florida. Visitation for family and friends and all will begin at 2:30 RM. CST and the funeral service will begin at 4:00 P.M. CST. All are welcome to be there and celebrate her life. Mama is greatly missed but we will see her again. She is dancing in The Light. Amen
