Donna Erisman

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Donna Jeanne Smith Erisman, 82 years, passed away at peacefully at home surrounded by family and friends on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was a devout Christian, dedicated to her family, and always involved in church and community affairs. 

Donna was born in Pryor, Oklahoma, January 26, 1941 to Lewis E. Smith and Barbara Lee Peugh Smith. Donna attended Joplin High School. She graduated in 1959, the first year in the new building that was lost in the tornado of 2011. 

Her interests included music, which carried her through life. She participated in choirs, and was first chair clarinet in concert band and orchestra. Following High School, she became certified as a water safety instructor, and she taught swimming during the summers. Donna graduated from Joplin Junior College where she participated in the choir, Student Senate and was a cheerleader. She received a teaching degree with a minor in music from Kansas State Teachers College.

Donna met her husband, Rex Erisman, at Joplin Junior College. They were married in 1963. After completing their college degrees, they began their careers in Grand Prairie, Texas. She taught in Irving, Texas during the time of the Kennedy assassination. This event left a lasting impression on her throughout life. 

Donna and Rex moved to Joplin in 1965 where she taught at Irving Elementary for one year. After they began their family, Donna discontinued teaching and redirected her focus to homemaking, her children’s activities, and serving at her church. She loved teaching Sunday School and bible studies, volunteering as a youth group sponsor, and being a Cub Scout Den Mother. 

In later years, Donna enjoyed teaching and bible study with her small women’s groups at church. She was a member of the church choir and performed many times as a soloist, or on occasion, as a duet with her daughter. She also delighted in her time with friends playing Mahjong. 

Donna was a gifted artist and was talented in oil painting, china painting, and even painted ornate resin Santas that she would share as gifts with her family and friends. She loved her family and found time to travel with them from coast to coast; Hawaii, Alaska, and Canada. Donna’s 50th wedding anniversary was celebrated with an Alaskan cruise with her family. Some of Donna’s fondest times were spent with those she loved in North Topsail Beach, North Carolina and, on many occasions, at their special cabin on Big Sugar Creek. 

Cancer had a tremendous impact on her life and she wanted to help others through this fight. She operated a home based business, NEW LIFE, for over 34 years. Donna served countless women of post-operation mastectomy surgeries.

Donna is preceded in death by both parents, Lewis and Barbara Smith, and two special aunts, Betty McAulay and Marthelle Gose Christman She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Rex; her children, Scott Erisman and wife, Sammye; Chris Erisman and wife, Gwen; Julie Munn and husband, Shane, all of Joplin. Her grandchildren include McKenzie Erisman, Kyndall Cummins and husband Caleb, Caroline Erisman, Samuel Erisman, Annabelle Erisman, Lucy Erisman, Libby Munn, Bella Munn, and Gabby Munn and one great grand son, Beckham Heath Cummins; She is also survived by her brother, Dan Smith and wife Georgine, Bella Vista, Arkansas. Donna is also survived by her favorite Golden Retriever, Charlie.

Thanks to the management and staff at Freeman Hospital, MD Anderson Cancer Center, and Compassus Hospice for her care during her health battles. Special thanks go out to Home Instead Healthcare’s owner and staff; especially the personal care received from Sandy Owen for 3 years of service.

Services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at One Church, 2802 New Hampshire Avenue, Joplin, Mo. with Dr. Phillip McClendon and Shane Munn, Minister, officiating. Burial will follow at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at Mason-Woodard Mortuary. Memorial contributions may be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in care of the Mortuary.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mason-Woodard Mortuary of Joplin, Mo.