Donna Kay Smallwood

Donna Kay Smallwood, 69, of Harveyville, Kansas, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2025. A visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 29, 2025, at Maple Hill Funeral Home, with a funeral service beginning at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery. Born Donna Kay Cooper on January 3, 1956, in Lamar, Missouri, she was the daughter of Frank Gene and Reba Lee Cooper. She grew up with her brother, John Douglas Cooper, and sisters, Judy Broughton and Pam Johnson. In March of 1971, Donna met the love of her life, Buddy Earl Smallwood, at a church function. Just a few months later, on October 29, 1971, they were married and began building a beautiful family together, which became the center of Donna’s world. To this union they were blessed with three children: Frankie Lee Smallwood (Mary), Billy Don Smallwood (Peyton), and Jennifer JoAnn Lisk (Timothy). Their family grew to include 15 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren, each one deeply cherished by Donna. After completing her education and earning her bachelor’s degree, Donna dedicated 27 years to teaching, touching the lives of countless students with her kindness, patience, and encouragement. Donna was lovingly known as the family “paparazzi,” always behind the camera capturing memories. She had a gift for making others feel special, consistently putting the needs of her family before her own. Whether hunting the clearance aisles at Wal-Mart for the perfect little gift or planning one of her many birthday celebrations, she found joy in giving. Her love for birthdays and surprises was so well known that Buddy built her a special “she-shed” to store gifts and wrapping supplies—ensuring her tradition of celebrations continued week after week. Donna was preceded in death by her father, Frank Gene Cooper, and her brother, John Douglas Cooper. She is survived by her devoted husband, Buddy Smallwood; her mother, Reba Lee Cooper; her children, Frankie (Mary) Smallwood, Billy (Peyton) Smallwood, and Jennifer (Tim) Lisk, as well as Lilianna Smallwood, Rosie Smallwood, Billy Smallwood II, and Andrew Smallwood; her sisters, Judy Broughton and Pam Johnson; 15 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. Donna will be remembered for her giving heart, her love of family, and the countless memories she created for those she cherished most.

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Donna Kay Smallwood

January 3, 1956 - August 22, 2025