Donna Jean Henderson

Donna Jean Henderson, 76, of Columbus, a beloved wife, mother and grandmother, was surrounded by her loving family as she entered Heavens Gates and the embrace of God on August 29, 2025.

Born on April 10, 1949, in Monticello, Illinois, to Dean Cannon and Delores Henry, Donna dedicated her life to creating a warm and loving home for her husband of 58 years, Charlie, and their two children.

Donna and Charlie’s relationship was something movies are made of. They began communicating via letter, while Charlie was serving in the navy during Vietnam. On July 6th, 1967, while on a short leave (and before ever going on a date), they decided they would “Tie the Knot”. Their love stood the test of time for 58+ years!

Donna managed a video store in Columbus, Indiana for multiple years, before discovering her gift and love for caring for the elderly which she spent several years doing before retirement.

Donna’s greatest joys came from traveling and spending time with her family. She was her daughter’s first Brownie troop leader and her son’s first baseball coach! Her biscuits and gravy as well as her Thanksgiving day sweet potatoes were legendary, and her holiday gatherings were eagerly anticipated and loved by the entire family. Donna’s immense and unwavering love for her grandchildren was undeniable as it lovingly consumed most of her time and attention the past 29+ years.

Donna spent the majority of her life living in Columbus, Indiana and Largo, Florida. She loved her “home” of Columbus where she could be close to her loved ones, but the beaches and sunsets of Florida were never far from her mind.

She is survived by her husband Charlie, sister Pam White of Largo Florida, children Tamara (Mike) Ward of Columbus and Brian (Andi) Henderson of Bloomington, six grandchildren (Sierra, Chasney, Vayda, Chanel, Dalton and Eli), and two great grandchildren (Max and Graham).

Donna was preceded in death by her birth father Dean, mom Delores, dad DC Henry, and a brother Steve Cannon.

Per her wishes, Donna will be cremated.

A celebration of Donna’s life will be held at 2pm on September 6th, 2025 at Asbury United Methodist Church 1751 27th street Columbus, Indiana. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana, a cause close to Donna and her families hearts.