Donna James Stephenson

Donna passed peacefully on December 16, 2023. She was born May 12, 1942 in Bingham Canyon Utah to Earl Thomas James and Esther Bernice Wilson James. In 1956 the family moved to Clearfield, Utah. Donna graduated from Davis High  School and also attended Weber State University. She met and married Ron Stephenson. Donna worked for the Base Commander at Hill AFB as a secretary. Ron joined the Air Force and they moved to Travis Air Force Base in Vacaville, California. Their son, Eric was born while they were stationed there. They later moved to Clinton, Utah.

Donna managed the Clearfield Hill Apartments for many years. While working there she started a Bunco group with friends and family. Although there is only one original member, her sister, Susan Stuart, the group with friends and her beloved hero, her father. They always ended their walk with coffee at Kiki’s Café in Clearfield.

Donna enjoyed a special relationship with her in laws, Verla and Golden Stephenson. Golden and Donna enjoyed wonderful mornings fishing and talking.

She moved to San Diego in 1985 to continue her career in property management. She later moved to Bellflower, California to accept a job with the Federal Court System as a manager over the court reporters. She lived with her special widowed uncle, Earl Wilson and commuted to LA on the train. Going to and from LA on the train, she made friends with other commuting to LA and formed friendships with her “Train Buddies.”

Once retired, she moved to Rancho Bernardo, California to be closer to family. She was a big part of her brother, Tom James and Sharon’s family, being included in all the family dinners and parties. She had a unique and special relationship with all her nephews and nieces, both in Utah and California. They all loved her very much.

The past couple of years she has lived at Silvergate Living Community in Poway, California. As health deteriorated, her nephew, Todd James, became her caregiver and partner in trouble. They loved each other dearly. While at Silvergate, it was discovered that she liked to sing Karaoke. She knew all the words to the old classic songs. The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff at Silvergate for their care of Donna.

Donna always had a special place in her heart for 4-legged friends. She loved and spoiled her dogs along with all others. Donna will be remembered by her family for her quick wit and love tease. 

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Esther James, her aunts and uncles and her sister-in-law Sharon James.

She is survived by her son Eric (Christie) Stephenson, grandson Milo Stephenson, honorary granddaughter, Cassadie Cook and Cassadie’s daughter Tayler Leth. She is also survived by her brother Tom James, sister Susan (Jay) Stuart, and all her beloved nephews and nieces.

Per her request, she will be buried in the Syracuse City Cemetery. Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at 1:00 pm at Syracuse City Cemetery. 1250 South 1000 West, Syracuse, UT.