Donna Marie Crook

Donna Marie Crook was born Oct. 12, 1947 in Doniphan, Mo., to Herschel and Lena Crook. Growing up in Doniphan, Donna spent much of her time at the Odom’s country store. After graduating from Doniphan High School in 1965, Donna attended Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. Graduating in 1969 with a degree in education, she became a school teacher for K-12. On Feb. 15, 1969, Donna married William Izmerian in Doniphan. She returned to ASU and received a masters degree in special education. During her 21 years of marriage, Donna moved to Arkansas and had two children. Donna was a special education teacher at Central Elementary School in Blytheville for 25 years. After retiring from Arkansas in 1994, she moved back to Missouri and worked as a special education teacher and school counselor for 15 years. She retired from teaching and moved to Charlotte, N.C., in 2010 where she continued to live until her death Jan. 3, 2024.

Donna was an avid reader and storyteller. She wrote poems, stories, and songs about nature and animals. Donna’s love for animals and children was evident in her writings and drawings. She loved music and was a talented singer. She enjoyed many hours singing with her family while her father played the music. She was a Christian and a member of the Baptist Church. Donna shared her Christian faith and love for Christ with her children.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, and aunts and uncles.

She leaves two daughters, Eleece Izmerian-Dougherty of Boonville, Mo., and Denise Izmerian of Charlotte, N.C.; son-in-law, Donald Dougherty, and a grandson, Braydon Dougherty, both of Boonville, Mo.

Donna will be laid to rest in Bellview Cemetery in Doniphan Jan. 9, 2024.