Donna May Lemley

Donna May Lemley passed away in Torrance at the age of 80 on July 22 having spent the last of her days surrounded by family. Donna was born on December 10, 1931 in Bakersfield, California to William and Evelyn Heath. Growing up in Taft, CA her favorite pastime was spent riding and attending to the horses on her grandfather's ranch. While attending high school she met Thomas Lemley, both graduating from Taft Junior College and married after having spent a year in New York City attending Woods Business College. Married in September of 1952, moving to Torrance in 1954 with son Dale in tow, soon after daughter Susan arrives and a very busy life began. Donna was very involved with Carl Steele Elementary while her children attended, having held many offices and finally serving as PTA president. Very involved with Torrance Area Youth Band and then for the next four years the West High marching band. Her spare time was spent doing the many things she loved; playing bridge, decorating cakes, including many wedding cakes, ceramics, producing many baby shoes and her porcelain dolls. The birth of her first grandson, Zebulon, working a job she loved with JC Penney and the birth of her second grandson, Zachary her life again was a busy one. Donna retired, with it lasting one year before she returned to JCP to work part time for many more years. Proceeded in death by Thomas, her husband of 57 years she is survived by son Dale, daughter Susan, grandsons Zebulon and Zachary, sister Dorlee, and sister in law Joretta, numerous nieces and nephews and lastly her beloved pet TWITCH. A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 1, 10:00 a.m. at Rice Mortuary 5310 Torrance Blvd., in Torrance.