Nancy Tomlinson Obituary | April 29, 2026
Donna Sue Brown, 86, of Newburgh, Indiana, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving daughters.
Donna was born on July 1, 1939, in Louisville, Kentucky, to Sarah Dorothy and Coleman Gilbert Smith. From an early age, she showed a remarkable talent for music and was an accomplished pianist. At just 12 years old, she auditioned for the Louisville Philharmonic at the recommendation of her piano teacher.
Donna began her career as an executive secretary with Southern Bell Telephone Company before dedicating herself fully to her family as a loving stay-at-home mother. In later years, she remained active in the community through organizations such as Welcome Wagon and the Women’s Club of Newburgh.
Her strong faith in God was rooted in her Baptist upbringing and remained a guiding force throughout her life. Donna faithfully served her church community through Sunday school teaching, Bible study, and sharing her gift of music by playing piano.
Above all else, Donna was a fiercely devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She and her beloved husband, Joe, shared 60 wonderful years together and created countless cherished memories through family vacations and time spent together with their children and grandchildren.
Donna also had a deep love for animals and was a passionate supporter of animal rescue organizations Her compassion and gentle spirit earned her the affectionate nickname. “The Animal Whisperer”
She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Joe Brown.
Donna is survived by her daughters, Lisa Mand (Kim) and Jennifer Newton (Jonathan); her grandchildren, Evan Mand (Laine), Nick Mand (Caitlin), Matthew Newton (Marissa), Will Newton (Amie), and Elizabeth Newton; and her beloved great-grandchildren, Olive Mand, Joey Mand, Maggie Mand, Coleman Newton, and Caroline Newton.
“If you have grief in your life, it means you have loved and been loved immensely.
Friends may visit from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. CST, Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Boone Funeral Home East Chapel – A Family Tradition Funeral Home, 5330 Washington Avenue, Evansville, IN
Friends may visit from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. EST, Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at Arch L. Heady at Resthaven, 4400 Bardstown Road, Louisville, KY.
Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 p.m. EST, Saturday, May, 19, 2026 in the Heritage Suite, Arch L. Heady at Resthaven, 4400 Bardstown Road, Louisville, KY with Pastor Kris Holzmeyer officiating. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to your favorite animal shelter or rescue organization in Donna’s memory.
