Donna Vaye (VanZant) Hillman passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 5, 2024 at the age of 82 in Shawnee, OK. Donna, daughter of Cleo and Grace VanZant was born on October 24, 1941, in Mt. Vernon, Illinois.
Donna married Larry “Butch” Hillman, in Purcell, Oklahoma on August 25, 1958. They lived in the Latta community and raised their two children, Toni and Clate. Donna was an avid cheerleader to her two children. She spent a lot of her time watching sporting/school events at Latta School. She worked at Thompson Book Store in Ada, did babysitting and was a homemaker for her family.
Donna was a very giving person and would do anything to help anyone. She loved children and was the happiest when she was around any child but especially her granddaughter, Jamie Grace, who was the love of her life. Donna taught Sunday School at Colbert Baptist Church in Ada. Teaching young children about the Bible and Jesus was something she was very proud of.
She had a passion for crafting and loved to make things. She could make most anything out of most anything! She was a very talented person and didn't give herself as much credit as she deserved. In August of this year, Donna entered a quilt that she had made in the Pontotoc County Fair winning a blue ribbon.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents; husband, daughter, Toni Hillman-Manous, son, Clayton Hillman, sisters; Stevene "Tootsie" Mullinax and Betty Hunt, brothers; Radford VanZant and Gary VanZant.
Those left to cherish her memories are her granddaughter, Jamie Grace Hillman of Stonewall, brother-in-law, Joe Hillman and wife Ronda of Shawnee, sister-in-law, Barbara Shahan of Keene, Texas as well as numerous loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, including special family friend, Sue Brendle of Ada.
Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, October 10, 2024 at Rosedale Cemetery; Rev. Keith Cole will officiate.
A special thank you to the staff of Regency Skilled Nursing and Traditions Hospice of Shawnee, OK for their loving care.
Criswell Funeral Home, Ada
