Donna Allen

Donna Rae Allen, 71, of Hendersonville, passed away Sunday, June 11, 2017. Born in MA, September 3, 1945, she was the daughter of the late Harold and Wilma Holmes. After Harold's service in the military her family eventually settled in Dupo, IL where she was raised and later graduated with a Bachelors' degree from Illinois College. Donna continued her education receiving a Masters' degree from Michigan State. Always a staunch advocate for children and adults living with a disability, she worked tirelessly as both a social worker and later as a policy maker dedicated to the fair and just treatment of persons with all abilities. She served as deputy secretary for Florida's Division of Rehabilitative Services and later moved to TN where she became director of operations for the Division of Mental Retardation Services in Nashville. She retired from DMRS in 2009. The same tenacity and passion she brought to her work extended to her outside interests. She was an accomplished oil painter and had her work shown at galleries in Florida and commissioned often. She was also an avid baker, gardener and even exhibited further talents as a carpenter. A true matriarch of the family she leaves to cherish her memory her sons; Jordan and his wife Nicole, their children Zoe and Zach, and Jason and his wife Heather, their children, Grace and Madeline; her sister, Paula Byers; and her former husband, Terry Allen. Donna did not wish to have any funeral services. Her family suggests that any wishing to honor her memory may do so through a gift to the Sarah Cannon Fund. www.sarahcannon.com Hendersonville Funeral Home has been entrusted with Donna's care and arrangements.