of Pleasant Grove, AR
April 26, 1951 - October 22, 2017
A plaque hung near the entrance of the door which read, ''Only she who attempts the absurd can achieve the impossible.'' This was how Donna Elaine Elliott, born on April 26, 1951, in Greenville, Mississippi, experienced life until October 22, 2017.
Along with a career in community organizing which resulted in the free school breakfast program being congressionally mandated in all Mississippi schools with below poverty level students, Donna achieved the rank of Sergeant in the U.S. Army Reserves, earned the Army Commendation and Achievement awards, a U.S. Army Forces Command Fourth Estate Award, and three Fifth U.S. Army Minaret awards for excellence in military photo journalism; authored the book. ''Keeping the Promise: the story of MIA Jerry Elliott''; and dedicated innumerable hours and trips to Southeast Asia in an effort to account for all U.S. POW/MIA's.
She loved animals and nature, was a talented photographer, liked the feel of warm garden dirt between her fingers, the thrill of reeling in a big fish, canoeing and camping, and was always up for a road trip adventure, but her greatest joy was family and friends. Donna was always just a phone call away if someone had a problem. Her son often told her she should hang out a shingle that read: ''1-800-I-Listen.''
Daughter of the late William Stafford and Mary Richardson Elliott, she was preceded in death by an older brother, Vietnam MIA SSGT Jerry William Elliott; and a little sister, Cindy Ann Elliott. A resident of Pleasant Grove, Arkansas since 1984, she is survived by her steadfast companion of 24 years, Storm Sterling Minick; a son and best friend, William Jerry Randolph Berry, Pleasant Grove, Arkansas; three beloved grandsons, Thomas Roy Fuller, Taiwan; William Samuel Wayne Berry and William Maxwell Elliott Berry both of Mountain View, Arkansas; several exceptional brothers and sisters by choice and her dog pal, Wilson.
A memorial service celebrating Donna's life will be held Saturday, October 28, 2017, 2:00PM at Roller Coffman Chapel in Mountain View, Arkansas with Brother Danny Robbins officiating.
Military honors will be provided by the Stone County Honor Guard.
Roller Coffman Funeral Home, Mountain View, Arkansas is in charge of the arrangements.
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6 Condolence(s)
Linda Moreau
Tuesday, September 12, 2023
Though we never met in person we did talk and email. We both have MIA Brothers. I’m KEEPING THE PROMISE Donna. I continue to search. Going to take cadaver dogs to Vietnam.
Love you
Binky
Sunday, October 29, 2017
Dear Donna, you have been an inspiration and such a steadfast woman. I am proud to have met you as part of my RFTW family.
RIP my dear friend.
Til Valhalla
Mary Morrow
Tuesday, October 24, 2017
Randy, Sam, and Max
Prayers for your family.
Mary Morrow & family
Dennis Mannion
Tuesday, October 24, 2017
I met Donna on July 7, 2000 at Los Angeles Airport. I and three others -- all Marine Corps veterans of the Siege of Khe Sanh -- were making a trip back to Khe Sanh. Donna had somehow heard about our trip and asked if she could go with us. Her brother Jerry had been MIA at Lang Vei -- part of the KS area of operation -- since Jan 21, 1968. Although she had already been back there once in search of information, she hoped the trip with us would prove successful. That was not the case and she tirelessly made other trips back in the years ahead. She doesn't have to search any longer; I am sure she's out there with Jerry now. My condolences to her family and friends. It was an honor to get to know her. Dennis
Polley Berry
Monday, October 23, 2017
Rest In Peace Donna you can rejoice with your family once again...
David Kniess
Monday, October 23, 2017
God bless you, Donna. I will never forget our trips to Khe Sanh, Vietnam, and the stories you told me about Jerry.
Being the Marine that he was... I'm sure Bob Arrotta was waiting for you with Jerry. May God bless you and keep you.
Til' Valhalla!!
Semper Fi/Anchors Aweigh!