Donna Sue Hampton

Donna Sue Hampton, 70, of Bridgeport, IL, passed away on June 6, 2024, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Vincennes, IN. Born on March 25, 1954, in Robinson, IL, her life was a rich tapestry of experiences, family, and unwavering dedication.

Donna grew up in Robinson, where she spent countless childhood days at her grandparents' homes. It was at this time that she cultivated a lifelong passion for planting flowers, a love she inherited from her Grandma Snider. A proud 1972 graduate of Robinson High School, Donna's adventurous spirit led her to live in various states, from the sun-kissed beaches of Florida to the tropical paradise of Hawaii, before resettling in Illinois after her first marriage.

In the workforce, Donna was known for her tenacity and work ethic. Her career began at Ettelbrick Shoe Factory, but it was at Victor Dana, where she started in 1978, that she left a lasting impression. Her determination shone through when she braved the Blizzard of '78 for a job interview, a move that quickly secured her position at the company. Over the next four decades, she progressed from packaging to running presses before her well-earned retirement in June 2021.

It was at Victor Dana that Donna met her beloved husband, Johnny Ray Hampton, and they were united in marriage on January 24, 1980. Together, they shared a love that lasted 32 years until his passing. She was also preceded in death by her first husband, Ken Kidwell; her parents, Robert E. & Lucille (Snider) Dunlap; her brother, Darrell Wayne Dunlap; and her sister-in-law, Ginger Dunlap.

Donna is survived by her children, Andy & wife Amanda Kidwell, Jennifer Hampton, and John Hampton; her grandchildren & their spouses, Zachary & Michala Paine, Cameron & Kenzie Kidwell, and Dallas & MaryAnn Kidwell; her great-grandchildren, Judah-Lynn Paine, Reagan Paine, Harper Grace Kidwell, and Eleanor Elizabeth Kidwell; her sister & brother-in-law, Brenda Kay & Roger Creed; her brother & sister-in-law, Ron & Kelly Dunlap; and several loving nieces and nephews.

They could each speak to the fact that Donna's home was a festive sanctuary, and every room a canvas for her creative touch. This was especially true during the Christmas season, when every single corner of her house was adorned with holiday cheer! Her love for decorating was matched only by her green thumb, as her garden bloomed with roses, petunias, daisies, and more. She took great pride in her well-kept yard, and her independent nature meant she was always up for the challenge of push-mowing the lawn herself.

A woman of simple pleasures, Donna enjoyed watching game shows like Wheel of Fortune and Press Your Luck. She was, by all accounts, a smart cookie who had a knack for blurting out the answer to a trivia question before the game show contestants ever had a chance to! Donna's life was filled with other joyous moments, from the thrill of theme parks with her family to the quiet delight of watching her winged friends flit around her birdhouses. She was a collector of salt and pepper shakers and snowmen, and she enjoyed the camaraderie of playing Bingo at the Lawrenceville VFW. Her culinary skills were savored by her family during holiday meals, and she was especially known for her pork chops and fried potatoes.

The life of Donna Hampton is a testament to the power of positivity and devotion, and her memory will continue to illuminate and uplift those who were fortunate enough to know her. As we bid farewell to this extraordinary woman, may her memory continue to inspire us, just as a hummingbird dances from flower to flower, leaving a trail of beauty in its wake.

A time of visitation will be held from 9:00-11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 15th, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. Funeral services will immediately follow and be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, with Celebrant Curt Goodwine officiating. For those unable to attend, a live stream of the service will be available at www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream . Memorials may be made to "John Hampton", to help her family offset final expenses. Burial will be in the Jones Cemetery.