Donna Carlson, age 101, late of Lake Charles, La., is now home with Jesus. She passed from this life on June 1, 2024.

Donna was born on Oct. 22, 1922, in DeLand, Fla. She attended Stetson University, majoring in music, always a great interest and passion throughout her life. She traveled with a women’s ensemble during WW2 and was recognized as a world-class percussionist.

She and her husband lived in Brookfield, Wis., for 46 years and raised three children there. Donna served in her local church as a music leader and was a longtime supporter and president of the Milwaukee chapter of Aglow International (formerly Women’s Aglow). Many women were part of a weekly, ecumenical prayer meeting held in her home for 39 years. She served her community in many other ways, and was known for her love of God in her unceasing service to others.

Donna was predeceased by her husband, Charles Joseph Carlson; by her parents, William Homer Smith and Lavar Rosengren Smith; by her five siblings, William Smith, Walter Smith, Bradley Smith, Olive Smith Greenlund, and Mary Smith Kilburn-Bahn, and by daughter-in-law, Mary Carlson.

Survived by children, Wilinda Carlson Dalgleish (Charles), Wesley Carlson, Dianne Carlson Ash (Paul); by grandchildren, Jeffrey Armington (Mindy), John Dalgleish (Christina), Kathryn Chambley (Brett), Patricia Garrison (Blake), David Ash (Emily), and eight great-grandchildren.

Her family wishes to thank the staff of Brookdale Assisted Living, Calcasieu Community Care Center, and Harbor Hospice for their wonderful care.

A Memorial Service will be held on Aug. 17, 2024 at 3 p.m. in the Sanctuary of Good Shepherd Episcopal Church located at 715 Kirkman St, Lake Charles, LA 70601. Service times will be forthcoming.

In lieu of flowers, her family encourages donations to Samaritan’s Purse (PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607) or Aglow International (PO Box 1749, Edmonds, WA 98020).

Memories and words of comfort can be shared with the family at www.lakesidefh.com