Donna Louise Fletcher Jasper, age 88, passed away peacefully Saturday afternoon, November 13, 2021 at her home, in Tyler, TX. She was predeceased by her husband of seventy years, Charles Roland Jasper (Capt. USN Ret). She is survived by her four children Alan K. Jasper (Marla Grabowsky), Susan Jasper Yancey (Walt Yancey), Sally Auler Myers, and Lucy Jasper. She was G'Ma to grandchildren Luke Jasper, Casey Jasper (Kerry Jasper), Ryan Jasper (Stacey Woodard Jasper), Beth Jasper Allen (Jake Allen), Justin Morrison, Adam Auler (Katarzyna Auler), Mary Rose Myers, Fletcher Reece Van Buren and Natasha Page Van Buren. She also had 5 great grandchildren: Mallorie, Emorie, Eliza, Olivia and Konrad with one on the way (baby girl Allen).
She was born October 3, 1933 to her parents Homer Fletcher and Melissa Glee Gevedon Fletcher on the family farm in Combs, Kentucky. Donna was the oldest of six siblings; Anita Fletcher, Claudette Fletcher Whitt, James Michael Fletcher, Mary Alice Fletcher Potter (deceased), Patricia Fletcher Mitchell (deceased).
Donna excelled at all academics (skipping several grades) and ultimately graduating High School as Valedictorian. Donna also made her mark in 4H, winning multiple awards for her Home Economics skills which eventually resulted in an award of a scholarship to the University of Kentucky school of Agriculture and Home Economics. There she met her Husband to be Charles Jasper and they were married May 12, 1951. She remained alongside her husband a Wildcats basketball fan her entire life.
Donna stood by her husband during his extensive career in the Navy, moving frequently and raising their family.
She was an accomplished artist (painting, pastel portraits etc.) and managed to continue her artistic endeavors throughout her life. Today her works are owned collectively by her children and hang proudly on their walls.
In addition to these, Donna had the lifelong gift of creating a loving and warm home which included imaginative traditions, homemade clothing and crafts and never a dull moment. Her pure heart and youthful spirit led her to become the family caregiver, and all of her grandchildren flocked to her as often as possible for some good (and sometimes mischievous) G’Ma time. She could truly make anything fun. Every grandchild, no matter how far away, came to visit her in the weeks prior to her passing. At any given moment, there were grandkids, kids, cousins and friends filling her room; sitting anywhere, just to be close. They filled the room with love as they shared stories, memories and quiet moments holding her hand.
Her devotion to her family was unmatched. Her titles included: Girl scout troop leader, Lead adventurer (camping, beach, Disneyland, Squaw Valley, Reno, horseback riding), Chauffeur/cheerleader for all lessons, sports and kid events, expert party planner and master chef.
When her children were older, Donna was able to pursue a career working on the F18 trainer and other project management groups with Sperry Secor, Burroughs and Honeywell. She also became a child mentor and volunteered as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children for five years. She embraced these children as her own and was able to change their lives in a meaningful way.
In her later years she actively enjoyed golf alongside Charlie and as a member of the golf team at International Town and Country Club. She also was a member of the club bridge league and was unrivaled in her skill.
Donna’s passing leaves a vacuum in our world where warmth, comfort and love once resided. Her family can only hope to continue her traditions to ensure that the next generations experience the gift that was Donna Jasper. We Love You Mom, you will be missed.