Donnetta Gaye Dempsey

Donnetta (Donna) Gaye Dempsey was born on September 20, 1957, in Warrensburg, MO, to Elizabeth Neale & Wrayburn Carver and went home to be with her Lord on May 27, 2024, at the age of 66. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, her father, Wrayburn Carver, and her adoptive father, Joe Quinlan.

She is survived by her son Dylan Dempsey and wife Olivia of Germantown, TN, her mother, Elizabeth Becraft of Raymore, MO, her brother, Dan Carver of Montgomery, TX, her sisters, Terri Kerby of Raymore, MO, and Tina Ytteborg of Oslo, Norway.

Donnetta attended Grandview High School where she was a cheerleader and Homecoming Queen, graduating in 1976. She attended Northwest University at Springfield and graduated in 1980. She was a foreign exchange student to the island of Barbados where she met her first husband Tony Hoyos. They married in 1981 after she graduated from college. During this time, she ran a boutique across from a beach. Donnetta and Tony were married for 8 years and divorced in 1989.

Donnetta married Todd in 1997 and they were married for 24 years. Donnetta and Todd had one son, Dylan, together. Donnetta and Todd enjoyed motorcycle rides, traveling, and planning elaborate parties. They were well known for their Halloween parties they had each year. After divorcing in 2022, they remained very close friends and supported each other in every way.

As a mother, she made a point to be an integral part of her son’s childhood. She was a room mom and volunteered at Dylan’s middle and high schools. She was adamant about her son’s education, pushing him to be the best he could be. She attended every one of her son’s sporting games. She was very proud of her son and loved him very dearly.

Donnetta was very close to all her family. They were the most important thing in her life. She was a devoted daughter and acted as a temporary caregiver to her mother as needed. Some of her favorite memories came from her family and the many reunions they had over the years.

Her friends were a significant part of her life and she loved each of them. She loved showering her friends with “happies” and supported them in any way she could. She belonged to a weekly Bible study at Hope Church with all of her friends.

Donnetta was a person who brought joy to many people’s lives and was considered by many to be the life of the party. She was a generous person and wanted to make sure everyone was happy and felt her love. She always made sure to bring her family members mementos from all the wonderful places she traveled. She showed her love by giving her family and friends gifts.

Donnetta was dearly loved and will be tremendously missed by all.