In Loving Memory of Donna Jean Williams Worley (Holmes)

Birth and Early Years

Donna Jean Williams Worley (Holmes) was born on June 25, 1946, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Authur T. Holmes and Juanita N. Lynott. Her formative years were spent at Blessed Sacrament Grade School and Wyandotte High School, where lasting friendships and cherished memories were made.

Pursuit of Passion

After high school, Donna followed her passion into cosmetology school ­– a craft that remained close to her heart throughout her life.

Family and Community

In 1968, Donna married Stephen Williams in Emporia, Kansas. Their union blessed them with three daughters, who became the center of her world. As a nurturing stay-at-home mother, she raised her daughters against the backdrop of life on a family farm in Lawrence, Kansas-where they raised sheep and actively participated in the Kanwaka 4-H Club. Although Donna and Stephen separated in 1995, her commitment to family never wavered.

A Life of Service

While living in Lawrence, Kansas, she worked as an orthodontic assistant for Dr. Robert Brown—a role that exemplified her dedication to both service and healthcare, Donna later answered the call to serve her country when she joined the United States Navy Reserve in 1985.  Her military career was marked by important assignments, including Operation Desert Shield/Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom, as well as voluntary service during numerous military exercises. Her final act of service was to assist in Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. In honor of her exceptional contributions and unwavering selflessness, Donna was awarded four Navy Achievement Medals, along with an Air Force Achievement Medal.

A Blended Family and New Beginnings

In 2001, Donna embarked on a vibrant new chapter when she married Steven Worley in Las Vegas, Nevada while riding over the Spring Mountains in a hot air balloon. This union brought together their families, as Steven's two sons and daughter joined Donna's family, weaving together bonds of love and connection.

Public Service and Later Years

Continuing her commitment to her community, Donna contributed her skills and dedication to the Clay County Government's facilities department as an administrative assistant-serving until her retirement in 2015.

Hobbies and Crafts

Donna enjoyed baking, gardening, flower arrangement, woodworking, photography, tailgating and attending Chiefs games. She also enjoyed sewing and quilting, especially sewing outfits for her grandchildren.

In Remembrance

Donna is preceded in death by her parents, Authur T. Holmes and Juanita N. Lynott, her daughter Kimberly Wolff, and her son Andrew Worley. She is lovingly survived by her husband, Steven Worley; her brother, Larry Holmes (Ursula); her daughters, Marci Walburn (John), Chandra Williams, and Shannan Teel (Chris); her son, Zachary Worley; her cherished grandchildren—Téadora Booth (Brandon), Cole Wolff (Courtney), Taylor Walburn, Xander Swain, Gillian Swain, MaecyLynn Wolff, Grayson Walburn, Henry Teel, and Jameson Teel—and her treasured great-grandchildren, Esmé, Isla, Wren, and Landon. Numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews also hold dear memories of her warmth and kindness.

Celebration of Life

Her life story radiates warmth, dedication, and resilience—a quilt sewn from her early years in Kansas City, her passion for cosmetology, her devoted service as a military reservist, and her nurturing role as a mother and public servant.

Donna's journey—from her formative days at Blessed Sacrament Grade School and Wyandotte High School, to pursuing her passion in cosmetology, and then embracing the responsibilities and joys of family life on a Kansas farm—offers a touching narrative of growth and self-discovery.

Donna channeled her love into raising her three daughters and later welcoming a blended family with her union with Steven Worley. This is a poignant reminder that family is not only defined by blood but by the bonds of genuine care and shared experiences. Her most cherished moments were times spent with her nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Her service to her country through the United States Navy Reserve, marked by her participation in historic operations such as Desert Shield/Storm and Iraqi Freedom, as well as her hands-on involvement in Hurricane Katrina relief, reflects a remarkable commitment to both duty and humanity. The medals and recognition she received speak volumes about her courage, selflessness, and the positive impact she had on those around her.

Even beyond her roles as a military woman and a dedicated family member, Donna embraced life with passion. Whether she was woodworking, capturing moments through photography, cheering on her favorite Kansas Jayhawks and Kansas City Chiefs, or lovingly sewing outfits for her grandchildren, her hobbies illustrate a zest for life and a desire to engage fully with every moment.

In remembering Donna, we see a life defined by service, love, and family—a life that continues to inspire all who knew her. Her legacy lives on in the stories shared by her family, in the events that honor her memory, and in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to have been touched by her kindness. Her remembrance calls on all of us to cherish our loved ones, serve our communities, and live with authenticity and compassion.

The family will soon host a celebration of life for family and friends to honor Donna’s legacy. Details about this upcoming event will be forthcoming.