Donna Lee Barnhart

Donna Lee Jones Barnhart, 87, of Sebring, Florida, transitioned from life in the early morning of July 7, 2025. She was born on Jan. 21, 1938, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Her mother, Virginia Jones, moved to East Liverpool, Ohio, to live with her sister, Rachel, and Cy Shaffer. Donna grew up alongside cousins Larry and Lucy, who were like a brother and sister to her. Donna loved all her cousins.
Donna was a graduate of East Liverpool High School in 1955 and the former Ohio Valley Business College in 1956. She made her home in Chester, West Virginia, where she worked at Hancock County Savings Bank for 33 years, retiring as an assistant vice president. She traveled extensively and internationally, loving the adventure. On May 11, 1996, she married the “man of her dreams,” Paul Barnhart. (1925-2009)

Following their vision, they moved to Fort Myers Beach, Florida, where they spent wonderful days exploring and participating in many social events. In 2001, Donna and Paul made the decision to relocate to Sebring, Florida. They loved their summers at Guilford Lake, Ohio, where they enjoyed the water and their neighbors. Donna returned to the working world in 2007 as the secretary for Sebring Elks Lodge 1529, serving under five Exalted Rulers. She ended her working career in 2012. She loved every minute of her retirement, belonging to numerous civic, fraternal, charitable, and banking organizations throughout her life. She continued to volunteer after retirement. Donna faithfully attended and was a friend to many at Bible Fellowship Church in Sebring, where she also served on the board for the NAOMI Widow’s Ministry. She loved to read, take her dog on golf cart rides, tend to her tropical gardens, and keep in touch with friends and relatives on her computer. Donna was a bright star wherever she went, and she never met a stranger.
She passed gracefully, receiving exceptional care from Compassionate Care Hospice of Sebring, Florida. She loved her apartment at Lakeshore Manor and the friends she made there. When she needed additional support, the Manor provided it. The wonderful caregivers from Home Instead allowed her to spend her last days peacefully.

Donna is survived by two much-loved stepdaughters, who brought so much joy to her life: Sharyn Barnhart (Lea Dickson), of Sylvia Lake, New York, and Cynthia Morningstar, of Tallahassee, Florida. Donna will be missed by her cousins, who were close to her heart, and by countless good friends, especially the “Church Ladies,” who were like the sisters she never had.

Donna wrote: “Please do not grieve for me, I can honestly say I had a blessed life. I enjoyed each day to the fullest. I considered it a gift to awaken each morning to decide what was truly important and to live the day accordingly. I will miss you, but I will see you again. Our separation is only temporary — The best is yet to come.”

Memorial donations may be made to Bible Fellowship Church of Sebring, 3750 Hammock Road, Sebring, FL 33872 (www.bfcsebring.com) or to NU-HOPE Elder Care Services, 3504 Office Park Road, Sebring, FL 33870 (www.nuhopeeldercare.org).
Arrangements made by Stephenson-Nelson Funeral & Crematory, Sebring, Florida.
No service will be held.