Donna Jolene Epperly was born October 29, 1957, in Duncan, to Sylvester L. and Rheta Nell (Griffith) Vowell and passed away Sunday, April 7, 2024, at Weatherford Regional Hospital, at the age of 66 years, 5 months, and 8 days.

Donna was raised in Empire, graduating from Empire High School in 1975.  she grew up on a farm and helped her dad at an early age.  She loved playing basketball and played throughout high school.  She was also involved in a lot of groups in school.  After moving to Weatherford for college, she met Clayton on one of her shifts at Jerry's Restaurant.  Donna knew at an early age that she wanted to be a teacher.  She earned her bachelor's degree from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in 1979 and her master's in 1981.  Donna married Clayton Epperly March 7, 1982, in Las Vegas, NV and made their home in Weatherford.  She taught school at Eakly High School until Eakly schools closed.  Donna took the Counselor/Special Ed director position at Geary schools until 2013.  After that she was the Federal Programs Director/Psychometrist until her retirement in 2019.  Donna was determined not to slow down and opened two businesses.  One opened in 2015, the other in 2018.  She became the bookkeeper, Tax payer, keeping the rest of the family in budget for the month.  Donna enjoyed working Sudoku puzzles, teaching, decorating their home and spending time with family, grandchildren, and friends.  She used to paint ceramics and had quite the collection of Christmas decorations.  Donna would also make stockings with each child's name in the family on it for Christmas.

Donna battled liver cancer for 18 years, then major heart surgery 15 months ago.  She was our hero and despite all these trials she kept her faith and these situations made her stronger.  Donna loved her grandchildren more than they could imagine.  Her granddaughter, Brooklyn, has been labeled Donna's "twin".  When these two were in the room, no one else mattered.

Donna is survived by her husband of 42 years, Clayton Epperly of their home in Weatherford; two daughters, Shawnda Morris and husband, Josh and Shayla Epperly all of Weatherford; one sister, Brenda Berry and husband, Clyde of Empire, OK; three grandchildren, Brooklyn, Ethan and Maverick of Weatherford; and niece and nephews, Christopher and Jessica McLain of Gig Harbor, WA, Ashlee and Thad Massegee of Duncan, OK, Chase Berry of Empire, OK.  She was preceded in death by her parents and one son, Chance.