Donna Popplewell

(From Parker Mortuary)

Donna Mae Popplewell, age 78, of Joplin, passed away on Friday, June 16, 2023, at Freeman West Hospital in Joplin.

Donna, daughter of the late Julian and Gertrude (Weiseng) Smith, was born on November 17, 1944, in Kansas City, MO. 

She was united in marriage to Garry Smith, and he preceded her in death. Soon after she met and joined in marriage to William “Bill” Popplewell in Kansas City. He preceded her in death in 1995. She moved to Joplin in 2012 to be closer to family.

 

During her time in Joplin, she became an active member of the Forest Park Church and enjoyed her time with her Sunday school class (LifeGroup). She had a loving and caring heart who always remembered birthdays and anniversaries making sure those special days were greeted with a card. 

She volunteered her time with Watered Gardens helping with bookkeeping and office duties. Donna loved her family and loved to entertain them on Friday nights for family meal nights. She was a doting grandmother who loved her grandsons and being involved in their lives. Her family and those that knew her, will miss her gentle caring ways.

 

Survivors include her daughter, Janice Manuel, and her husband, Phillip, of Joplin; two grandsons, Jonathan Manuel, and Alexander Manuel, both of Joplin; one brother, Ron Smith, and his wife, Liz, of Lee’s Summit; two sisters, JoAnne Howard, of Kansas City, and Jeannine Parkinson, also of Kansas City; and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. In addition to her parents and husbands, Donna was preceded in death by one son, David Smith, in 2008; and sister Pat Gilbert, in 2018.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 23, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Forest Park Church in Joplin with burial to follow at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery in Joplin.

Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin.