Donna Wilkins

October 3, 1930 - January 2, 2022

Donna Grace Garrett was born to John F. Garrett and Grace B. Frost on October 3, 1930 and passed away January 2, 2022 at Heritage Crossings in Geneva, NE at the age of 91. Donna was the youngest of five children, siblings: David, Lowell, Evelyn, and Norma. Donna’s mother passed away when she was 13 years old and other than a brief stay in California, she lived most her life in Fillmore County. She graduated from Geneva High School and soon after married the love of her life, John Wilkins of Geneva on February 23, 1949. Together they were blessed with 8 children. Dear friends, Don and Eleanor Kimbrough, were not only traveling buddies but their families shared a very special relationship. Donna received Christ as her Savior shortly after being married and Eleanor was a great encouragement to Donna’s faith. Together they taught a weekly afterschool Good News Bible Club for decades. Through the years she and Eleanor shared God’s love with many children. Donna was very passionate about inviting new people to Christian Women’s Club and Friendship Bible Coffee studies in her home as a way to encourage women and share her faith. She and John were able to go on numerous trips together creating many wonderful memories and relationships with dear friends. Another joy for Donna was being involved in the horse business with John. She loved to see her kids compete and was so proud of their accomplishments. Donna will always be remembered for sharing meals with anyone who happened to stop by their home. She never met a stranger. No matter who you were, she always made you feel welcome and as if you were the most important person in the room. Every time you were around her you always knew that Donna put people before things. For years she distributed the Daily Bread devotional to nursing homes and to anyone who visited their home. She never missed an opportunity to share her faith. Donna had several jobs including working at YRTC for several years as a house-mother. She had a heart for the girls that were living there and was a true light of love to them. Donna had a dream of owning a Christian Bookstore someday. That dream came true and she owned and operated Body and Soul Bookstore for several years in the front of Wilkins Livestock Insurance offices. She absolutely loved talking to people and sharing her faith as people shopped the store. After closing the bookstore she began volunteering at Heritage Crossings as the “Juice Lady” and did this for many years. Not only did she bring them her special blends of juice most importantly she brought them a smile and took time to call each by name and visit with them. Donna was always positive and had a grateful heart. She was forever thanking anyone who did even the smallest thing for her. Even in her last breaths she was thanking the Lord for her family and for all He had done for her. Donna blessed her family in so many ways and she provided countless memories with her kids and grandkids and great grandkids. She was adventurous and loved to laugh. She loved to fish, play cards, build Gingerbread houses and attend any activities family members participated in. She was remembered for making sugar doughnuts every time it rained. Donna was also quite the poet, writing poetry for many special occasions. She loved to garden and can the produce and make jams and jellies from the Crabapple tree in the front yard of her home. She cared for her grandchildren whenever she could and built precious memories with each one. Donna’s legacy is one of faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and her unconditional love for others. Donna was preceded in death by her parents; siblings; two infant daughters; son Gary Wilkins; grandsons, Austin Adkisson, Iesa Eddmeiri and Craig Wilkins and great grandson, Chase Wilkins; her loving husband, John. She is survived by her children, Ginger Wilkins (wife of Gary) and family, Mike Wilkins and wife Janet and family, Jan Stuck and husband Jerry and family, Lorrie Eddmeiri and family, Linda Chapman and husband Jay and family, Bill Wilkins and wife Karen and family, Becky Adkisson and husband Steve and family, Jim Wilkins and wife Jacki and family; foreign exchange student Roberta Schneider and husband Hannes and family; thirty-three grandchildren; many great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, of which there are an ever increasing number; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends. A Funeral Service for Donna was held on Friday, January 7, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. at the Evangelical Free Church in Geneva, Nebraska. Pastor Jeff Jensen presided over the Funeral Service. Danelle Andres provided the prelude and postlude music and also accompanied the congregation in the singing of “How Great Thou Art.” The recorded selections “Come to Jesus” and “Scars In Heaven” were also played during the service. Pallbearers for the service included Bob Wilkins, Justin Chapman, Jaeden Wilkins, Mark Wilkins, Jeran Stuck, and Roger Kimbrough. A Graveside Service was held in the Geneva Public Cemetery following the Funeral Service. Farmer & Son Funeral Home was in care of the arrangements and online condolences can be left at www.farmerandsonfuneralhome.com Memorials are suggested to the Billy Graham Foundation or the Timberlake Ranch Camp Scholarship fund.