Donna Lynn Penney

Growing up, Donna lived in Texas, Illinois, California, Maryland, and finally Florida. She graduated from Terry Parker High School in Jacksonville in 1972. Donna was employed by Continental Insurance Company of Jacksonville from 1973 until 1983 where she was promoted to supervisor of her department. In 1983 until 1988 she worked as a Southeast Territory sales representative for Optyl Eyewear and then Zeiss Optical. Donna graduated from the University of North Florida with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration in 1992. From 1991 until 1996 Donna was the comptroller for Seacoast Electronics in Jacksonville, Florida. Donna opened her own business called Marine Electronics Solutions in New Orleans in 1996 where she was President, Owner, and CEO. Due to hurricane Katrina’s destruction to the sea port, she had to close her business in 2006. Her love of animals led her to enroll in Penn Foster College in the Veterinary Technician Associate Degree Program allowing her to work at a vet’s office in Arlington. A few years later, she enrolled in Teach First Coast Alternative Teacher Certification Program at FCCJ in Jacksonville. Donna enjoyed several years as a substitute teacher.

Donna was loving and outgoing, passionate about nature and animals, especially dogs. She cared deeply about children and the elderly. All who knew her, knew her by her nickname, “Sunshine”. Donna always had a kind word for anyone she met. She was a member of the Woman’s Propeller Club of the United States, Port of Jacksonville, the First Coast No More Homeless Pets group as a volunteer, The Arlington Newcomers Club and The Mini Cooper Owners Club. Donna had no children, but she had a beloved dog, Mia, who was her “baby”. She was devoted to Mia who required great care since she was allergic to almost everything.

Donna was predeceased by her sister Pamela Penney Tawney, her mother Beverly Penney and her father, Donald Penney. She is survived by her sister Dianna Penney Rei of Middleburg, Florida; nieces Lisa Lockwood of Orlando and Rebecca Herren (Glenn) of Middleburg; great nieces Emily Herrin and Reily Herren and great nephew Dylan Herren all of Middleburg; great niece Elizabeth Peyton (Tyler) of Orlando and great niece Victoria Lorenzana (Anthony) of Pensacola; great, great nephew Ethan Lorenzana, and her dear “Danny”, Daniel Tardona whom she was planning to marry in late 2024.

Cremation arrangements have been made by Greenlawn Cemetery in Jacksonville, FL. A private gathering will celebrate Donna’s life and will witness the internment of her ashes into the Cremation Garden.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.GreenlawnJacksonville.com for the Penney family.