“I’d like the memory of me
to be a happy one.
I’d like to leave an afterglow
of smiles when life is done.
I’d like to leave an echo
whispering softly down the ways,
Of happy times and laughing times
and bright and sunny days.
I’d like the tears of those who grieve,
to dry before the sun
of happy memories
that I leave when life is done.”

-Helen Lowrie Marshall

Donna Lou Brockert (Barker), 71, passed away on September 8th, 2020, at Hospice of Dayton from a battle with Leukemia surrounded by family. Donna was born on May 4t1949 to Raymond and Virginia Barker. She was married to Robert L. Brockert and had twochildren, Gene Douglas and Tina Still from a previous marriage. Donna attended Kemp Elementary School and graduated from Wilbur Wright High School, Class of 1967. As an adult, Donna was a school bus driver for Centerville City Schools, where she later retired.

Donna was the heart and soul of her family. Everyone who knew her, knew that she was very outgoing and had a firecracker personality. Donna was very loving, caring, and always went out of her way to help those who were in need. She was known as “Gma” to her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, their friends, and many others. Donna enjoyed cookouts and spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great- grandchildren, as well as weekly visits with her sisters. As a woman who loved the outdoors, she enjoyed spending her time camping, fishing, and going to the lake. One of the things she loved the most, was spending time with her furry companion, Teddy.

Donna is preceded in death by her husband Robert L. Brockert, her parents Raymond and Virginia Barker, and sister Sharon Howe. She is survived by her children Gene Douglas [Heather] of Kettering, and Tina Still of Dayton, her siblings Carol Mcgrew of Xenia, Beverly Walton of Xenia, Timothy Barker of Dayton, and Christopher Barker of Dayton. In addition, her grandchildren Shawn Douglas [Sheila], Lyntia Still, Sierra Still, Kayla Still, Aaron Richardson, Leelyn Dennison, Gracie Dennison, 9 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Donna requested that there not be a funeral service, as she donated her body to science, but the family will be honoring her with a Celebration of Life. If you would like to pay respects to the family, the Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, September 13th, 2020, from 5:00pm to 8:00pm at Memories Banquet Hall located at 5173 Brandt Pike, Huber Heights, OH. 45424. It is requested that vibrant colors be worn, as this is a celebration of Donna’s life.