Donna Lynette Genslinger

From the depths of our hearts, we mourn the sudden loss of our beloved wife, sister, mother, grandmother, and friend.

Donna was born on June 17, 1960, in Starke, Florida, to John Allen Carter and Virginia Quinnelle (Smith) Carter. She spent her childhood and young adulthood on the westside of Jacksonville, Florida where she graduated from Paxon High School in 1978. She went on to serve four years in the United States Air Force. In 1982, she welcomed her son, James. After completing her military service, she began working in the aerospace industry, where she met her husband, Daniel. Together they welcomed a daughter, Hannah, in 1991.

In 1993, Donna began a 24-year career serving the people of Jacksonville through JEA, a role she fulfilled with dedicationuntil her retirement in 2017. While working full-time, she also pursued her love of learning, earning a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of North Florida and graduating summa cum laude in 2014.

Donna never met a stranger. She would strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere (from the grocery checkout line to a tea museum in Taiwan) and quickly find a connection with them. She had firm convictions about life, yet she was warm-hearted and quick to see the good in everyone she encountered. Fiercely devoted to her family, she sacrificed much to better their lives and ensure they knew she supported them. Donna believed deeply in the value of hard work and equally in the joy of spending time with loved ones. She loved music (especially Tom Petty), traveling, exploring the outdoors, and anything that involved being around people. She also cherished deepening her relationship with Christ through study and fellowship.

Donna is preceded in death by her parents, Allen and Quinnelle; her brother, Steve Allen Carter; and her father- and mother-in-law, Richard and Joyce (Sapp) Genslinger. She is survived by her husband, Daniel; her children, James Ross (Christie) and Hannah; her sister, Kathy Tennison; her nephew, Joshua Carter; and her beloved grandchildren—Cameron, Nathaniel, Lillian, Judah, Esther, Steven, and baby. She also leaves behind many cherished aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends who will miss her profoundly.

In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.— John 1:4–5

A celebration of her life will be held at Long Branch Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Florida on Friday December 12th at 2pm.  A visitation will be held from 1pm until the service hour.