Donna Jean Ducker

     Donna Jean Ducker of Jonesboro was born July 7, 1949 in Chicago and passed away Saturday, September 9th, 2023 in Southeast Missouri hospital after many years battling kidney disease.  Donna was part of the Chamness Care CILA family since 1994, but was originally served by Bob & Pat Chamness through City Shelter Care in 1971. For 52 years, Donna was part of the family.  

     Donna’s story is one of many twists and turns. After being neglected and deserted, at the age of 8 months, she became a Ward of the Catholic Home Bureau and was raised her early years by Nuns.  She told stories of their kindness and sternness.  There were even a couple she “would not spit on if they were on fire.”  After a short marriage, multiple admissions to various foster homes, centers and institutions, Donna finally landed at Chamness Care in 1994 and she was HOME!  

     She was so proud of the work she did at MAP.  It was one of her most favorite places in the world. Donna also relished the time she spent working at JRC for many years and also earlier at RAVE. One of her greatest accomplishments was working at Taco Bell in Carbondale and later at KFC in Anna. 

     Donna loved with everything inside of her.  She made each person feel like they were her favorite.  She definitely was a treasure of all who have ever worked with her. She sincerely cared about you, your husband, your kids and your dog.  She loved to joke and pester and laugh.  She was loved by so many names Duck, Duckie, Ducker, Donna D.  She called everyone else names as well Brat, Brat-Brat, Pain in the ***, Brat is Ever.

     Donna was woven into the community as any other person of her age would be.  She made lifelong friendships. She spent years of Holidays with the Toler family.  Birthday parties, dinner and camp outs with the Faire & Rowan families. Four of July cook outs with the Burton Family. Sleepovers with the Tweedy family. Vacations with her girlfriend’s from CILA 1, Market, & Pleasant.  She rocked all the new babies, raises a million kittens and kissed every dog she ever came in contact with.  

     To say Donna will be missed is an understatement. She leaves behind so many loved ones.  Her special “niece” Crystal, her longtime managers and companions Mary, Lily, Brad.  Her so kind and loving current and previous Market & Pleasant staff.  The office family.  Her crazy Retreat Crew at Map that kept her young.   Donna was a member of the Mill Creek Baptist Church for years. Her church family has been so good to Donna over the years. The outpouring of love and concern these last weeks for Duckie has been overwhelming and so touching.  Chamness Care has the best staff. 

     Funeral services for Donna will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday September 14th at Map CDS 504 East 7th Street, Karnak, Il.  Visitation will be from 10:00 am until the funeral at 10:30 at Map. She will be buried at Cobden Cemetery in Cobden.

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