Donna was born in Platteville, Wisconsin, on July 27, 1929. Upon graduation from Platteville High School, she moved to Madison, Wisconsin. It was there that Donna met her future husband, Hardy Bolton Smith, on a blind date.
Following Hardy’s military service, Donna worked to put him through law school at the University of Wisconsin. They returned to live in Hardy’s hometown, Mobile, where Donna became a homemaker. She excelled in her role and was an accomplished seamstress, cook and interior decorator, among many other skills. Donna was, above all, a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
She was involved in various organizations including Mobile Bar Auxiliary, Art Patrons League and a mystic organization.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Grace Jenkins; her husband, Hardy Bolton Smith; and a sister, Genevieve Melotik. Survivors include her daughters, Diane Conklin (Brian) and Cynthia Glidewell (Jeff); grandchildren, Courtney Johanning (Brian) and Drew Conklin (Kat); great-granddaughters, Jemma, Kaitlyn and Lydia Johanning; sister, Virginia Gibson and nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 4, 2022 at Springhill Presbyterian Church, followed by a reception at the church. Contributions may be made to Springhill Presbyterian Church in her memory.
