Sue Donahoe

(From Parker Mortuary)

This is the story of Sue, dictated by Sue.

Sue Sheridan Wright Donahoe was born in Frederick, OK on December 27th, 1936 to Virgle L. Wright and Norine (Baucum) Wright. 

Sue graduated from Joplin High School in 1955. She was active in Jaycee Wives community affairs, WY Matrons, and enjoyed playing bridge. She modeled clothing for Ramsay’s Department Store and was a hair model for the late Estelle Lord in Tulsa, OK and in Jefferson City for the Missouri Hair Fashion Committee, representing Joplin as the City that Jack (Ore) Built. After moving to Kansas City in 1969, Sue worked for Adler’s at the Landing, followed by an office position for two pediatricians.

Later, she returned to Joplin where she was an active member of the First United Methodist Church, involved in weekly Bible Study. She then moved to Tulsa and went to work for Estee Lauder in cosmetic sales. 

Next, she worked for Phillip Kingsley of London hair products, that were distributed by Elizabeth Arden. She was one of fifty women who went to Phillip Kingsley Salon in NYC for sales training while staying at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel.

Subsequently, Sue worked as a Retail Sales Coordinator for Elizabeth Arden, promoting Karl Lagerfeld fragrances to thirty two stores throughout the Tulsa and Oklahoma City areas. 

It was at the fragrance counter at Vandever’s in Tulsa that she reencountered Thomas E. Donahoe, Jr., a friend she knew from Joplin High School thirty years prior. They married in Sacred Heart Catholic Church in 1987 and resided in Muskogee, OK for twenty one years. Both were members of the Teams group that met once a month for Bible study and fellowship. This group served the church family members who endured hardship, through prayer and meal coordination. For twelve years, they participated in Bible Study led by the priest. They also volunteered for serving Meals on Wheels for many years, and served as Sunday morning volunteer greeters.

Sue held a talent for creativity. She designed and sewed clothing, made decorative hair bows for her granddaughters, and knitted specially designed sweaters and scarves for herself and loved ones. Some of her hair bows were sold in Texas, Oklahoma, and Germany.

Moving back to Joplin to be closer to family in 2010, Sue and Tom became members of Saint Peter the Apostle Catholic Church. They also enjoyed monthly lunch fellowship with McAuley High School friends.

Sue developed an essential tremor at a young age that progressed over the years. She had deep brain stimulation surgery at Houston Methodist Hospital in 2010 that brought temporary relief. Her husband, Tom lovingly assisted and cared for her as her tremor again worsened.

Sue is preceded in death by her parents and a half sister, Mickey Conklin. In addition to her husband, Tom, Sue is survived by a son, Robert E. (Terri) Davidson, Jr., and two daughters, Leslie Lohse of Joplin, and Leisha Spencer (David) of Trinity, FL. Also surviving, a sister, Judy Wright of Joplin, five granddaughters, Kristin (Mike) Modini, Heather (Brian) Ward, Layne (Joey) Winker, Summer Davidson, and Haven (Tyler) Patton, nine great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held at 11AM Saturday at Mount Hope Cemetary, Webb City, MO with Father Joe Weidenbenner officiating. Friends may pay respects on Thursday and Friday at the mortuary during normal business hours.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in support of Integrity Hospice to Mercy Health Foundation, in care of Parker Mortuary