Donna Jean Esse

A gathering of family and friends will be held at Riechmann indoor Pavilion, Stephens Lake Park, Columbia at a date to be announced. Interment following at Jacksonville (MO) Veterans Cemetery.

Donna was born in Chicago on October 16, 1951, to the late Leighton and Lorraine Proffitt. The family subsequently moved to Glenview, IL, where she graduated from Glenbrook South High School and later enrolled at Arizona State University in Tempe.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in education and marrying a fellow student, Robert Esee, the couple made plans to be closer to family and thus moved to Clinton, MO, with their young son Jarrod. From Clinton the family moved to Columbia, where Robert had found work. The couple subsequently had two more children, Jennifer and Sara. Her children meant everything to their mother.

Donna’s love for children led her to take up roles as elementary school substitute teacher, playground supervisor and crossing guard. Children gravitated to her warm, welcoming personality, which she never lost.

As a wife and mother, Donna was always ready to give everything necessary and then some. She made our lives richer by her presence, whether it was coordinating a family outing, school function or holiday dinner for her children and siblings. Her love for Missouri Women’s Basketball never wavered, even in her final days.

Our Donna will be sorely missed. The hole in our hearts can never be filled. But the memories will always be with us. RIP, Dear Donna.

Donna is survived by her husband and children; brother Jim Proffitt (RaNae); sisters Nancy Dickerson (Russell, recently deceased) and Laura Price (Chris); her grandson Mercer Mattingly, whom donna adored; sons-in-law Kolin Mattingly and Kevin Reed; brother-in-law Richard Esse; sister-in-law Barbara Harris; and a host of nieces, nephews, and family friends.

Our collection of 4 legged creatures, whom she loved and diligently cared for, who would appreciate a donation in Donna’s name to Central Missouri Humane Society, 616 Big Bear Blvd., Columbia, MO 65202. Donations in Donna’s name can also be made to the ALS Association online.