Donna was born in Winner, South Dakota to Roy Henry Hofeldt and Murrell Painter Hofeldt, raised in rural Tripp County, SD. She graduated from Colome High School in 1956 and married John William Patterson of Pontotoc, MS on August 8, 1957. She was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Tupelo for 57 years. She worked at Citizens Bank of Colome and Industrial Bank in Memphis, TN from 1956-1958. While living in Tupelo, MS, she worked at Rebelanes from 1971 to 1986. She also worked at Phillips Garden Center, and Teters Floral Products as a merchandiser until she retired. She was a loving wife, mother, aunt, grandmother and great-grandmother and would routinely take neighborhood children to church as long as she was able. Donna passed from this life on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at her home.
Those preceding her in death were her parents, husband, and brothers Ernest Hofeldt (Minnette) and Robert Hofeldt of Colome, SD. In-laws: Emma and Erskin Clingan (Peoria, IL), Faye and H.L. “Slim” Hellums (Ripley, MS), James and Margaret Patterson (Pontotoc, MS), Annie Mae and Sam McCormick (Hernando, MS), Charles and Elaine Patterson (Pontotoc, MS), and Laney and Leroy Reynolds (Pontotoc, MS). Niece Patsey Patterson DeVaughn Blackburn and nephew Robert “Bob” Patterson (Pontotoc, MS), niece Cathy Jean Hellums Waldrop of Pontotoc, MS, and granddaughter Katherine Ann Patterson (Vicksburg, MS).
Donna is survived by her sons: Ricky (Linda) of Vicksburg, MS, Robert (Karen) of Batesville, MS, and Russell (Lilah) of Chattanooga, TN. Grandchildren: William (Vicksburg, MS), John (Baton Rouge, LA), Jacob (Pontotoc, MS), Shelby (Arkadelphia, AR), Kasey Jo (Oxford, MS), Paiton (Jasper, TN), Garner (Jasper, TN), sister-in-law Laura Patterson (Tupelo, MS), a host of nieces, nephews, and grandchildren she adored, along with her nieces and nephews, Pam Tanner, John (Donna) Hofeldt, Wayne (Vonnie) Hofeldt of Colome, SD, Charles N. “Butch” Patterson and Wanda Patterson of Pontotoc, MS, James Clingan, Joe Clingan, of Peoria, IL, Barbara Jenkins (Butch) of Canton, IL, Deby Hutcheson (Pete) of Peoria, IL, Paula Coker (Larry) of Blue Springs, MS, Herb Hellums (Kim) of Ripley, MS, Teresa Darby (David) of Columbus, MS, and Steve Conlee of Memphis, TN. There were numerous grand nieces and nephews that she loved.
Funeral Services will be held at 2PM on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Tutor Memorial Funeral Home in Pontotoc with visitation beginning at 12PM. Burial will follow in Oak Forest Cemetery. Tutor Memorial Funeral Home in Pontotoc is in assisting the family.
In lieu of flowers make donations to St. Judes Children Hospital (stjude.org). A special thank you to Laura Patterson for living with and caring for mom. Thank you to Mallari Parker for caring of our mother and being there at the end. Thank you to Jane Owens and her precious Visiting Angels as well as Gentiva Hospice.
