Donna Charece Clary, 63, of Venice, Florida, was received into heaven on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. She was born on November 24, 1962 in Belleville, Illinois. She was the loving and caring sister of Chuck (Ginger) Clary of Columbia, SC; Chip (Vesta) Clary of Clinton, MS; Carlyn (David) Gaines of Venice, FL; and Kellye Clary of Millington, TN. She was also the amazing aunt to her beloved nieces and nephews James (Sierra) Clary; Brandon (Bailey) Reynolds; Kristen McGillem; Hannah (Kenzie) Medley; Mary (Andy) Smarr; and Lurah (Jimmy) Cleveland. Additionally, she was the great aunt to David Clary, Tessa Clary, Connor Brown, Vivian Brown, Abilgail Smarr, Eliza Jane Smarr, Gwynne Cleveland, Reese Cleveland, and Eddy Cleveland.
Over her college age years, she served as a summer missionary in various places including locations in the United States and Brazil. Donna lived with a steady devotion to God that shaped everything she cared about. She was a loyal University of Memphis fan who rarely missed a football or basketball game, cheering on her Tigers with genuine enthusiasm.
In her career, she excelled through hard work and a calm, determined strength that defined her life. She gave her time freely, cared for others without hesitation, and believed in meaningful acts of giving, including the choice to be an organ donor.
She is preceded in death by her parents James Paul and Mary Jane Clary. She made the world a better place as she offered her support, her kindness, and her presence with quiet consistency. Heaven has gained another angel’s bright light.
A celebration of life service will be held in Bartlett, TN at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church in Venice, FL; St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (ALSAC) in Memphis, TN; the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention; or LifeLink of Florida.
