Donna J. Empson

Donna J. Empson, 76, of Galesburg, Ill. died at 8:55 P.M. Friday, October 17, 2014 at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg.

She was born February 7, 1938 in Monmouth, Ill the daughter of Harry Benjamin and Dorothy Mae (Boyd) Mills, Jr. she was raised and educated in the rural Monmouth attending Monmouth High School and graduating from Roseville High School.

Donna married Fredrick W. Johnson in June 1957 in Cameron and then later married Frank R. "Dick" Empson in Florida and he passed away on May 16, 2005.

Donna worked at Maytag for 30 years and at Tootie's in Galesburg as a part time bartender.

She was an avid gardener, NASCAR fan, enjoyed reading, her dogs and being outdoors.

Survivors include her sons, Kevin (Cindy) Johnson of Berwick, Ill. and Craig Johnson of Monmouth; daughter, Kristine Johnson-Snyder of Galesburg; 4 grandchildren, Jeremiah Johnson, Justin (Shandy) Johnson, Taryn Johnson and Joshua Johnson; great grandchildren, Alexis Thompson, Dylan Johnson, Mekhi Dickerson and Brooklyn Kay Johnson; sisters, Pat (John) Breshnahan of Monmouth and Judy (Dick) Totten of Wataga, IL.; brothers, James Larry Mills of Monmouth and Rick (Rita) Mills of Galesburg; several nieces, nephews and special friends, Dena James and Bonnie Westfall; her companions, Lucky & Molly.

She was preceded in death by her parents and infant daughter, Karen Elaine Johnson.

A gathering of family and friends will be from 2:00-4:00 p.m., Saturday, November 1, 2014 at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory in Monmouth. Cremation rites have been accorded. Memorials may be given to the Donna J. Empson Memorial Fund c/o McGuire & Davies Funeral Home, 1007 N. G. St. Box 444, Monmouth IL 61462.