Donnette Darnell, 78
January 13, 1947 – April 11, 2025
OKOLONA – Mary Donnette Hill Darnell died unexpectedly at her residence in Okolona on Friday, April 11, 2025 of an apparent heart attack. She was 78 years old. A lovely lady whose quiet grace and warm, inviting personality endeared her to all, Donette was the only child born to Don Boyd Hill and Mary Ruth Harrington Hill on January 13, 1947 in Okolona. She grew up in Okolona and graduated in 1965 from Okolona High School where she excelled as a cheerleader and beauty queen with the highest academic standards. Over the years, she was the glue that held the class together and was organizing their 60th Class reunion for later this year. Donnette received her BA in Special Education from Mississippi State College for Women (MUW) in Columbus. She taught Special Education for over 30 years at Okolona High School retiring from a brilliant career at Houlka High School.
Her large, generous heart endeared her to so many young people with special needs over the years. Donette loved flowers, watching sports especially football and baseball, being a member of the Elvis Presley Fan Club of Tupelo, and enjoying all things Elvis! She loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who called her Nonnie and was most fond of her dog, CoCo. She attended the First Baptist Church of Okolona earlier in life but was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church.
A service celebrating her life will be held at 2 PM Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in the Sanctuary of First United Methodist Church in Okolona with Rev. Dr. Randy Lewman officiating. Burial will follow in Oddfellows Cemetery in Okolona. Visitation will be from 4 PM-7 PM on Monday, April 14, 2025 and from Noon-service time all at First United Methodist Church.
Donnette is survived by her children, Dennis Darnell, Jr. of Okolona, and Michelle Simmons of Shannon; grandchildren, Reagan Darnell (Liz), Kaleb Darnell (Scottilyn), Mack Simmons, and Mallorie Simmons; her great-grandchildren, Zoey Simmons and Weston Simmons; and special great-niece Mendy Carnathan Vickers. She was preceded in death by her parents, and husband Dennis Darnell, Sr.
Pallbearers will be Reagan Darnell, Kaleb Darnell, Mack Simmons, Garrett Moore, Ethan Bean, Carl Richey, and Weston Simmons.
Memorials may be made to The Okolona High School Class of 65, C/O BankOkolona, P.O. Box 308, Okolona, MS 38860.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
