Donna Kay Harris

With loving remembrance, we come together to celebrate the life and legacy of Donna Kay Harris, a beloved mother, sister, aunt, wife, grandmother, and friend whose warmth, faith, and love touched countless lives.

Donna Kay Harris was born on December 6, 1962, to the union of Leonard Harris Sr. and Marilyn Joyce Harris (Tolbert) in Cairo, Illinois, where she was born and raised. She attended Cairo Public Schools and proudly graduated from Cairo High School, Class of 1981. Donna continued her education at Shawnee Community College, earning an Associate’s Degree in Business Management, a testament to her dedication and determination.

Donna devoted more than 20 years of service providing administrative support at the Olmsted Lock and Dam Project. After the project’s contract concluded, she continued her professional journey through various administrative roles and was most recently employed at Arrowleaf in Cairo, Illinois, where her strong work ethic and kindness were well known.

A woman of deep faith, Donna had been a faithful and active member of the Church of the Redeemer in Cairo, Illinois since 2014. She served with dedication on the Vestry Leadership Team, participated in the Episcopal Church Women’s Group, and was involved in the Episcopal Cursillo Ministry. Her faith guided her actions, and her church family was dear to her heart.

Donna also loved her community and remained actively involved in social and civic causes as a proud member of the Airborne Motorcycle Club, where she built lasting friendships and shared her generous spirit.

Donna Kay shared a lifelong bond with her high school sweetheart and husband, Edward “Goo” Price. Together, they built a life rooted in love and family and raised four beautiful children who will forever cherish her memory:

Shantel Marie Harris of Carbondale, IL;

Edward Dwight Harris Sr. (Shannon) of Owensboro, KY;

Anthony Greg Harris of Owensboro, KY; and

Damika Nicole Price of Atlanta, GA.

She was a proud and loving grandmother to seven grandchildren: De’Kharius N. Price, Edward D. Harris Jr., Elijah D. Harris, Alexzandria G. Harris, Jaziah Harris, Todd Lee Jr., and Elaiyjhia Harris, each of whom brought her immense joy.

Donna Kay was a cherished sister to seven siblings. She leaves to treasure her memory six loving siblings: Ronnie Harris of Cairo, IL; Michael Baldwin of Springfield, IL; Joyce “Chubby” Harris (Harold) of Tamms, IL; Dale Wayne Harris (Tina) of Washington, IN; Leonard “Len” Harris Jr. (Dana) of Cairo, IL; and Linda Jackson of Cairo, IL.

She was preceded in death by her devoted husband Edward “Goo” Price, her parents Leonard “Ninny” Harris and Marilyn Joyce Harris, and her beloved brother Edward “Poppa” Harris.

Donna Kay will be remembered as someone who was truly everything to everybody who had the blessing of knowing her. She was a place of refuge, rest, and restoration. Known for her impeccable cooking, Donna expressed her love through food—if she knew you were coming by, she made sure your favorite dish was ready. And if Donna cooked your favorite meal, you knew you held a special place in her heart.

No matter the role she played—daughter, sister, mother, wife, auntie, or friend—Donna remained the same loving, genuine soul. Her glowing smile and comforting presence made everyone feel at home. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, friends, and all who loved her. Donna Kay Harris’s life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and her love a gift that will endure forever.

Ministry of Comfort was Lovingly Entrusted to Southern Cremation and Burial Services of Murphysboro, Illinois.