Donna Jean (Hocking) Flynn

DONNA FLYNN

JERSEYVILLE - Donna Jean Flynn, 91, died at 1:50 a.m., Saturday, November 11, 2023 at Jerseyville Manor Nursing Home.

She was born in Jacksonville, Illinois on June 28, 1932, and was the daughter of Richard and Louise (Hamm) Hocking.

She graduated in 1950 from Jacksonville High School, and soon began working at a local grocery store in Jacksonville. It was there that she met a dashing young man delivering ice cream named Thomas Flynn, and the two would soon marry on November 18, 1950 in Jacksonville. Their marriage would span nearly 72 years, and their lives were blessed with many wonderful memories with their children and grandchildren, before his death on March 21, 2022.

Along with assisting her husband in the family business, Flynn Sales and Service, she also served as the Secretary for the Jerseyville Chamber of Commerce for many years.

Donna was very active and devoted to the Jerseyville community, serving in numerous capacities throughout the years. She was instrumental in the formation of the Jerseyville Strassenfest Celebration and dedicated many years to the Salvation Army and the Tree of Lights.

She was the center of her family, who loved to sew, and her Friendship Bread was an anticipated treat.

Surviving are her six children and their spouses, Jeffrey Flynn of Jerseyville, Diane Flynn of Jerseyville, Carol Jean Flynn of Springfield, Paula and David Baumgartner of Jerseyville, Joni and Jason Gross of Jerseyville, and Gregory and Carrie Flynn of Dow; 10 Grandchildren; 17 Great Grandchildren; and five Great Great Grandchildren.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her step father, James Koehler, whom she lovingly referred to as "Daddy Jim"; three grandchildren, Kara Dunham, Blake Dunham and Jodi Flynn; and a great grandson, Gavin Shaun Flynn.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 a.m. Friday at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Jerseyville, with Father Martin Smith officiating.

Burial will be in St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery in Jerseyville.

Memorials may be given to the Salvation Army.

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