Donna J. Pierson

Donna Jean Sheppard Pierson, 84, of Westerville, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 26th, 2025. Born on April 1, 1941, in East Liverpool, Ohio, she was the oldest child of the late Rolly and Eleanor Sheppard.

Donna graduated from Beaver Local High School in 1959 as part of the first graduating class. She continued her education at Kent State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics Education in 1963, followed by a Master of Science in Home Economics Education from The Ohio State University in December 1969. Donna built a fulfilling career as a Home Economics teacher with Canton City Schools and later served as an instructor in the Family & Consumer Science Department at the University of Akron.

On October 3, 1970, Donna married James William Pierson in the Brunnerdale Seminary Chapel. They made their home in Canton until August 2009, when they relocated to Westerville. Throughout their Canton years, Donna and Jim were active members of Our Lady of Peace Church. After moving to Westerville, they attended St. Paul's Church. James preceded her in death on March 2, 2014.

Donna's passion for community involvement continued in Westerville, where she was an active member of the Westerville Senior Center and the Westerville Quilt Guild.

She is survived by her son, Michael (Jill) Pierson; daughter, Elizabeth Pierson (James) Meta; and four cherished grandchildren: Cora and Benjamin Pierson, and Adam and EmmeClaire Meta. She also leaves behind her siblings, Judith (David, deceased) Morse of Lutz, Florida, and Richard (Peg) Sheppard of New Albany, Ohio, along with four nieces and nephews and six great-nieces and nephews.

Donna will be remembered for her dedication to education, her love of family, and her creative spirit. Her passion for sewing was a defining aspect of her life, extending far beyond her professional teaching of the craft. Donna found great joy in creating handmade garments, quilts, and gifts for friends and family. She generously shared her talent by sewing for others, often crafting special pieces for loved ones and those in need. Her skilled hands created countless treasures that will be cherished for generations to come, each stitch representing her caring nature and commitment to helping others.

A visitation for Donna will be held Monday, May 12, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Schoedinger Worthington, 6699 N High Street, Worthington, OH 43085. A funeral mass will occur Tuesday, May 13, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 9633 E State Route 37 , Sunbury, OH 43074. A cryptside service will occur Tuesday, May 13, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM at Calvary Cemetery, 3469 Lincoln Way E, Massillon, OH 44646.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in her name to the Westerville Senior Association, 350 N. Cleveland Ave. Westerville, OH 43082