Donna Jane Davis

Donna Jane Davis, age 84, of New Castle, Indiana, passed away on Friday, May 30, 2025, at Henry Community Health. She was born on May 25, 1941, in Connersville, Indiana, a daughter of the late William Alexander and Emma Lou Smith Clayborn.

Donna was a remarkable woman—intelligent, creative, a natural leader, and a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was a tower of strength for her family. She carried a strong interest in her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, always willing to help them achieve their desires. A true caregiver at heart, Donna devoted her life to helping others, whether it was family, friends, or strangers. If she couldn’t help you herself, she would find someone who could.

She had a deep love for the Lord and a warm, witty sense of humor that often-brought joy to those around her—sometimes even unintentionally. Her heart saw the good in everyone.

Donna began working and extending her caregiving nature at the state hospital in 1961 and dedicated nearly four decades of service before retiring in 1998 as a supervisor. She was a proud member of the first graduating class of Walter P. Chrysler Memorial High School in 1959.

Her passions included thrift shopping, which might have led to her employment at the Goodwill, gardening (she could grow anything and lovingly kept Mary’s plants thriving), science fiction—especially Godzilla movies—and Westerns. Donna was an avid reader and loved Stephen King books. She also delighted in her son-in-law, Zach’s famous barbecue.

She is survived by her beloved children, Rebecca King-Smith, Tina King-Pemberton, Mark (Gina) Nicholson, Mary (Zach Jessee) Nicholson-Tait; grandchildren, Jessica (Shawn) Davis, David McClendon Jr., Michael Tait, Dior Pemberton, Jemara Tait, Kaden Nicholson, and Maya Nicholson; great-grandchildren, Yasmin Smith and Tamika Smith; siblings, Deborah Merida, William Alexander Clayborn III, Anthony (Susan) Clayborn and Dianne Clayborn; as well as many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

In addition to her parents, Donna was preceded in death by her husband, Marion Cecil Nicholson; siblings, Connie Mae Douglas and Ernest Charles Clayborn.

Visitation will be from 4:00pm to 6:00pm Saturday, June 7, 2025 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle. Burial will take place at South Mound West Lawn Addition with a private family ceremony. You may express condolences or share memories of Donna at www.hinsey-brown.com.