Donna Jo Lawson

Donna Jo Lawson, (Cooper) of Independence, Missouri was born on October 31, 1951 in Kansas City, Missouri to the late John V. Cooper and Edna Marjorie Cooper (Whitlock) and entered into rest Sunday, March 8, 2026 at the age of 74.

Donna graduated from Southeast High School in 1969 and was united in marriage to David L. Lawson on November 6, 1971 and two beautiful children followed.

Donna was always the planner and the caretaker of the family always looking after someone that needed assistance whether it was her children, parents, siblings, in-laws or friends. Her career was filled with caretaking positions as well, nurses aide, physical therapy technician, and activities director at several facilities. She faced each position with compassion and empathy for those in need. Donna retired in 2014 where she served as the Activities Director for The Groves in Independence, Missouri.

Donna was very active in multiple organizations, Optimist Clubs, PTA, Booster Clubs, St Mary’s Boosters, SE High School Reunion committee, keeping everyone connected and organizing reunions, meetings, and get-togethers. She was the glue that kept everyone and every event together.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents John and Edna Cooper, paternal grandparents Charlie and Susie Cooper, maternal grandparents Lester and Ruth Whitlock, Uncle Charles Whitlock, and sister Christy Suddarth.

Donna leaves behind her husband of 54 years, David; daughter Miranda Flippin and husband Kenny of Forth Worth, TX; son Adam and wife Kelly and one beautiful granddaughter Hazel of St. Joe, MO, brother Gary J. Cooper, and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation for Donna will be on March 21, 2026 at 12 pm and a memorial service following at 1 pm at McGilley & Sheal Memorial Funeral Home, 11924 E. 47th Street, Kansas City, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to American Heart Association, 5800 Foxridge, #108, Mission, KS 66202 (www.heart.org) or American Kidney, 11921 Rockville Pike, Ste 300, Rockville, MD 20852 (www.kidneyfund.org).