Donna Lynn Jester

Beautiful soul, Radiantly selfless, Genuinely warm-hearted, Inspirationally charismatic, Contagiously humorous; and Unapologetically herself…merely a few of the many accolades that defined Donna Lynn Jester, who left this world in the early afternoon of October 11th, 2019 at the very young age of 65.

The most devoted mother, loving daughter and truly magnetic friend lost her weeks long battle to rare complications from surgery. She was the brightest and most positive light for those who had the pleasure to feel her touch (literally, she would always give you a heartfelt nudge followed by a genuinely warm hug). And though tiny in frame, Donna had a heart the size of the state for which she once called home; and as small as she was, many knew her to be tough, resilient and someone who “always landed on her feet”… and on that sunny autumn day she did just that, landing all way up in heaven for the last of her nine lives, touching down right beside her mother.

Donna was born June 16th, 1954 in Montgomery, Alabama to Jonnie and Charlie Lynn. She grew up one of four siblings and was baptized in a loving, southern Baptist home. Before she graduated from Robert E. Lee High School, she – along with her best friend Trudy – landed her first job at Baskin Robbins. They loved to taste test the “daiquiri ice” flavor because they thought it was “cool” (might have been a bit of a foreshadowing). Donna loved the flavor so much so that she named her first dog Daiquiri, which she later gave to her sweet father.

She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Secondary Education from the University of Alabama in 1976. It was there that she became a devoted Alabama football fan, we mostly think because it just gave her an excuse to share fellowship with friends; to cheer, dance and to smile. Donna wasn’t the best dancer you’ve ever seen, but she didn’t care and neither did we…she just loved to be happy, even when times were tough. She became a proud sister of the Pi Beta Phi sorority where she created many of her lifelong friends, all of whom still call her by her college nickname, “Zippie” or “Zip” for short.

After college, Donna taught marketing at Huey Town High School in Birmingham, AL before marrying in 1978. From that love, her greatest and proudest achievements were born: her two sons. Lamar and John were her everything, her world and she strived to show and give her kids all she could. From the love she shared, the road trips to the beach, plane rides to Mexico, overnight train rides to nice brunches and dinners, she made sure her boys were always front and center. She loved nothing more than being a mom and best friend to her children. She taught the Golden Rule, the Bible, love and patience, and how important it is to follow your dreams. Even as a hard-working, single mother, she was always in attendance at her sons football games, swim meets, and concerts. She always had lunches ready and cookies baked when they returned home from school. Her arms were always open with ears eager to listen. And when her children would go through difficult times, she always offered advice, a warm hug, a much needed kiss and the best head-scratches east of the Mississippi.

Donna celebrated and decorated for every holiday, always flying a seasonal flag from her front door. It made for such a welcoming and loving home. And since she acquired a green thumb from her mother, she always had the house and yard full of flowers. Lillies were her favorite.

Rarely seen without a stylish vizor, fashionable sunglasses, trendy clothes, red lipstick and a friendly wave, Donna loved being on the go, “early bird gets the worm,” she’d remind us.

She taught us that hard work pays off and it showed. Donna was consistently a nationally ranked and recognized saleswoman. And though she worked hard, she also knew the importance of having fun. The only person we’ve ever seen drink beer through a straw. “Don’t want to mess up my lipstick,” she’d proclaim.

Aside from her straw habit, Donna had a mean sweet-tooth and would always have hard candy in arms reach. She loved her dogs Chloe, Bonnie and Dixie; silver-queen corn, Al Pacino, and oldies and country music. She collected tiny ornamental boxes which she would find in the various cities she visited.

She had a few staple sayings: ‘Don’t kid a kidder’; ‘Don’t take any wooden nickels’; and ‘Home again home again, lickety-split.’ Donna was always upbeat with a contagious smile and she constantly sought the best in other people. She would ALWAYS pay attention to the little things people said, and would often surprise them with a relevant gift. She was such a gifter and a giver.

Her light and positivity couldn’t be stopped and she was always eager to laugh and learn. Donna Lynn Jester aka “Zip” aka “Donna-Do-right” aka “Moesh” aka “Mom” was as sweet and warm as the honey in Tupelo and as delicate as the flowers she used to plant.

We love you, Donna, Mom and always will.

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” -Maya Angelou

Donna is preceded in death by her mother, Jonnie Lynn and brother, Chuck Lynn; survived by her father, Charles Elton Lynn, brother and wife Terry and Lisa Lynn, sister and husband Joy and Mike Duffy, and her sons John Jester and Lamar Jester and his wife Marianne, and her grandchildren, Trip, Rebecca and Allison.

Celebrations for her life will be held Friday, October 18th, 2019 with visitation at Leak Memory Chapel from 12:30-2:00pm, with a graveside service at Greenwood Cemetery 2:15 followed by a celebration of life at Kat and Harry’s at 1057 Woodley Road from 4:00-7:00pm.