Donna Louise Horne Mills' Obituary
Donna Louise Horne Mills, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2025, in Strongsville, Ohio, at the age of 84. Born on September 9, 1940, in Norman Park, Georgia, Donna was the treasured daughter of the late Vernon Wilson Horne Sr. and Thelma Horne.
If you grew up in Norman Park, you surely knew Mrs. Donna from the family store, The Pantry. There, Donna was the heart of her community, serving up sausage dogs and Slush Puppies with a warm smile and a kind word for everyone. The Pantry wasn’t just a store—it was a gathering place where Donna fostered friendships, offered help to those in need, and made every customer feel at home. Her kindness and generosity touched countless lives and made The Pantry a cornerstone of the town.
Donna had an eye for beauty and a deep love for making things special. She found great joy in helping the ladies of Norman Park First Baptist Church host community events, always knowing just the right touch to make both the food and the atmosphere perfect. Donna could fill any room with love and laughter, and when her fingers touched the organ, the air was filled with music that was uniquely hers. Though she never learned to read music, she played beautifully by ear—her flair, pizzazz, and unmistakable “Donna touch” made every song she played memorable. Donna shared her gift for music at Ridgeland Heights Baptist Church in Sandersville, Georgia, before returning home, and for many years she played for Norman Park First Baptist Church and at large conventions, blessing many with her joyful spirit.
Family was Donna’s greatest treasure. She adored her loved ones and delighted in bringing them together, filling her home with joy, laughter, and a sense of belonging that will be cherished forever. She loved to laugh, and her joy was contagious.
Donna was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne Mills, deceased, married 58 years and the love of her life; her parents, Vernon Wilson Horne Sr. and Thelma Horne; and her siblings, Vernon Wilson Horne Jr. (“Buddy”) and Geraldine Horne Branan. She is survived by her devoted sister, Sue Taylor, and her caring brother, Carl Wesley Horne (“Jody”).
She leaves behind her son, Rodney Wayne Mills of Norman Park, GA, and her daughter, Sonja Mills Jablonsky (husband Chris) of Strongsville, OH; grandchildren Army Sgt. Ethan Willett of Wadsworth, OH; John Avery Willett of Strongsville, OH; Alison Mills of Norman Park, GA; Madelyn Jablonsky (step-granddaughter) of Beach Grove, IL; and Ana Jablonsky (step-granddaughter) of Parma Heights, OH. Donna was also blessed with two great-grandchildren, Oliver McMurphy and Onyx Willis, both of Norman Park, GA, who brought her endless happiness and pride.
Donna was a beloved aunt to countless nieces and nephews, each of whom held a special place in her heart and benefited from her love, encouragement, and wisdom.
Donna’s warmth, kindness, and gentle spirit will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Her legacy of love, laughter, service, and music will live on in the hearts of everyone she touched.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Norman Park later this month, with details to be announced in the coming days.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Donna’s memory to Show Hope or Norman Park Baptist Church.
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