Donna Mae Parkhurst

Donna Mae Parkhurst, 85, of Robinson, IL, passed away on November 8, 2026, at Crawford Memorial Hospital in Robinson, IL.

She was born on March 3, 1941, in Effingham, IL, to Henry & Frances (Kreke) Walker. She grew up in Effingham and graduated from Sacred Heart High School. Just two weeks after graduation, she began another chapter of her life, marrying Charles Parkhurst on June 4, 1960. Together, they raised three children and shared more than 53 years of marriage before his passing on December 12, 2013.

Much of Donna's life was spent caring for the people around her. That began with raising her children and continued through her work in the school cafeterias. She worked at Washington Elementary School before moving to Nuttall Middle School, where she worked for several years. Feeding people was something she enjoyed at home, too. Donna loved to cook, and her family knew that whatever she was making, it would be good.

She kept busy around the house and even enjoyed cleaning in her free time. But her grandchildren gave her some of her happiest hours. She loved spending time with them and spoiled them whenever she had the chance. When someone needed a helping hand, Donna was there, ready to do what she could. She was also a longtime member of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Robinson.

The meals she made, the help she offered, and the time she gave her family were all familiar expressions of Donna's love. Those everyday things meant so much because they could always count on her. She gave them a lifetime of being cared for.

She is survived by her children, Gregory A. (Jill) Parkhurst, Carol (Joe) Hepner and Christine (Jerry Brashear) Murray; four grandchildren, Justin (Keshia) Parkhurst, Patrick (Megan) Parkhurst, Josh Hepner, and Ivy Ann Murray; great-grandchildren, Finley Parkhurst, Maylee Parkhurst, Chloe Parkhurst, and Crew Parkhurst; her brothers, Bob (Vicki) Walker and Don (Terry) Walker; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry & Frances Walker; her husband, Charles Parkhurst; her brothers, Bill Walker and John Walker; and her sisters, Marian Adams and Margie Lankford.

A private funeral Mass will be held at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Robinson at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Elizabeth Catholic Church for the CCW, with envelopes available at the funeral home.