Donna Baker Hill

Donna Danielle Baker Hill passed into the into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on January 31, 2025. Donna was born on March 21, 1964, in Clarksdale, Mississippi to Mattie Barbara Baker (née Atkinson) and Andrew Cleveland Baker. She grew up just down the road in Sumner, Tallahatchie County. Her childhood was idyllic as she grew up on Cassidy Bayou. The little towheaded girl would ride her bike all over town playing with friends and getting into mischief. She and her sisters, Lisa and Vicki, frequented Pangs Grocery to take full advantage of putting snacks on the family “tab”. Donna came into this world with a deep love of animals. This she carried into adulthood. She loved her dogs, horses and especially her pet duck, Amos. She participated in barrel racing horses all over Tallahatchie County as a young teenager. Most importantly, Donna accepted Christ at the age of 10 at Sumner Baptist Church.

Following in the footsteps of her sisters, Donna attended Delta Academy in Marks, where she was a cheerleader and beauty. Donna was highly intelligent and was salutatorian of her senior class. She also served in student government and was invited to participate in Governor’s camp.

Donna was a true Delta girl growing up in the most southern place on earth, which informed, along with her Christian faith, a strong character throughout her life.

Upon graduation from high school, she attended Ole Miss, where she was a member of Chi Omega graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree. Throughout her life, she enjoyed rooting her Rebels on to victory attending many baseball and football games.

After Ole Miss, she pursued postgraduate studies in physical therapy at UMMC, graduating with a degree in that field. Donna then went to work in children's rehab and then in the Mississippi Baptist Medical System for many years. She was extremely passionate about her work and threw herself into helping her patients. Donna was a professional in every sense of the word. Her PT “Girls” friendship spanned over 30 years. They traveled with her every step of her illness, ministered to her and greatly lifted her spirits.

Donna had a wide range of friends from all walks of life. She was extremely witty with an awesome sense of humor. She loved to laugh. Regarding her illness, she broke all the rules. The doctors said that her case was one for the textbooks. We were blessed to have her with us these last 2 years and 9 months.

Donna cared deeply and loved deeply, especially her family. She was Mom to Baker and Brennan following all their sports at Madison Central and entertaining their friends with an open-door policy at her house. Donna was loved greatly by them.

She had a beautiful smile and spirit. She loved to dance - in fact, that's how she and Jay met. Donna also loved the beach, any beach. She and Jay were able to take trips to the British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, the Bahamas as well as the Florida and Alabama beaches these last couple of years.

She grew spiritually in profound ways during her illness. Lamenting that she couldn't be more impactful for the Lord during that time. If she were here, she would tell you to run to our Lord Jesus and accept Him as your Savior. Donna is now in His arms.

A fighter to the end. She leaves to cherish the memories, her mother, Barbara Atkinson Gentry, and stepfather Leo Gentry; her husband of 31 years, Jay Hill; sons, Baker and his wife Madison, and son, Brennan; sisters, Lisa Carlson (Mark), Vicki Benefield (Lance); her in-laws Sandra and Mac McGee; brothers in law Kevin (Mary Burton) and Keith (Erin) and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. And of course, the light of her life in many ways was her granddaughter, Hattie Baker Hill who would keep Donna in stitches with her antics. Hattie Baker will grow up knowing that Donna loved her deeply.

Preceding her in death was her father, Judge Andrew C Baker of whom she was always proud to be known as his baby girl.

Jesus said in John 14:2: “In my father's house there are many rooms. If it were not so I would tell you. I go to prepare a place for you.”

While we will mourn and miss Donna, remember, there are no tears in heaven. Praise God!