LaDonna Pursley, 83, of Centralia passed away peacefully Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at Fireside House in Centralia. She was born on December 14, 1941, in Centralia, the daughter of Jesse and Mary “Tommie” (Lankford) Whetsell.
Survivors that were so grateful to have LaDonna in their lives include her devoted daughter, Deana Johnson and husband Tom of Centralia; granddaughter, Brooke Thomas and husband Chris of Collinsville; great-grandsons, Crue Thomas, and Coen Thomas; sister, Jerriann Peeples of New Smyrna Beach, FL
LaDonna was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse and Tommie Whetsell; and sister, Linda Knicker.
LaDonna was grateful to be raised in Salem. She later called Centralia her home and had many clients that she treated as friends while working as a beautician. Everyone who went to her shop, LaDonna’s House of Beauty, loved the way she made them feel beautiful and appreciated. Because LaDonna had a compassionate heart and was a natural caregiver she earned her CNA degree and provided excellent care and support for her patients at St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia for over 20 years, until her retirement. LaDonna was always excited to celebrate Christmas, enjoying everything about this most wonderful time of the year. She appreciated the beauty and stillness of freshly fallen snow every winter, especially at Christmastime. LaDonna was a true animal lover, raising small dogs as her fur babies. LaDonna enjoyed travelling, taking trips in autumn to see the fall colors. She never passed up a chance to play the slots and she always looked forward to a good steak dinner. She was the best “Grandma Donna” spoiling her granddaughter, Brooke, wanting only the very best for her and cherishing time spent with Brooke and her daughter, Deana. LaDonna was also proud to be a great-grandma to her great-grandsons. LaDonna’s family would like to thank Dr. Shroff and staff, Fireside Nursing home and special nurses, Chelsea and Allison for the excellent care she received. She was of the Baptist faith. LaDonna was a beauty inside and out, kind, caring and she will be missed dearly by her friends and family.
A celebration of life service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made in LaDonna’s honor to the Centralia Humane Society and will be accepted for the family by Irvin Macz Funeral Home 234 S. Elm St. Centralia, IL 62801. Online condolences and memories of LaDonna may be shared with her family by visiting maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.
