IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Donna

Donna Cooper Profile Photo

Cooper

October 6, 1943 – September 29, 2025

Obituary

After a lengthy and heartbreaking battle with dementia, Donna Bell Cooper (Silcott) of Wellston, Ohio, passed away on September 29, 2025, at Fourwinds Community Nursing Home, surrounded by her loving family. Donna was often described as playful, easy to be around, someone who never knew a stranger. She was ornery and flirty, yet also smart, kind, witty, compassionate, and deeply devoted to her family. Her humor and warmth made her unforgettable to everyone who knew her. She was born in Wellston, Ohio on October 6, 1943, to the late Pauline (Manring) Mitchell and James Silcott. Donna was lovingly raised by her Aunt Ruth (Manring) Ware and Uncle George "Dutch" Ware in Wellston, where she spent most of her childhood. She dearly loved them and often spoke of the impact they had on her life. A proud graduate of Wellston High School, Class of 1961, Donna played clarinet and was a member of the marching band under the direction of Dane Heitzman. After graduation, she moved to Columbus, Ohio, where she worked as an executive secretary for the Ohio Racing Commission and other government agencies. She later retired from the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Following retirement, Donna returned to Wellston and built a house beside her beloved Aunt Ruthie. Ruthie's passing soon after was a heartbreak Donna carried the rest of her life. Besides her parents, Donna was preceded in death by Ruthie and Dutch Ware; her stillborn infant sister, Connie; and her former spouse, Norman Eugene Cooper. Donna often said that her greatest accomplishments were her children: Lori Silcott-Ousley (Mike) of Wellston; Cathy (Cooper) Davis (Jeremy) of Wellston; and Scott Cooper (Kate) of Wellston. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Warren Silcott (Tiffany) of Jackson; Zane Moore (Erica) of Wellston; Michael Ousley (Jenna) of Wellston; Josh Ousley (Kelsey) of Athens; Seth Davis (Clarissa) of Jackson; Braylon Davis (Isabella) of Wellston and Haley, Owen, and Tyler Canaday. Her great-grandchildren brought her immense joy: Willow and Darcy Silcott, Harper Ousley, Grayson Davis, Clayton Davis (arriving October 2025).  She is also survived by her siblings: Mark Silcott Sr. of Wellston; Martha Burris (Rick) of Wellston; Alice Kreitzer of Wellston; Peggy Mitchell of Waverly; and Grace Mitchell Cook of Piketon. Donna enjoyed painting ceramics, yard sales, bingo, helping others, trips to the casino, and telling jokes, rhymes, riddles, and stories. Her smile and outgoing personality drew people in wherever she went, and she made countless friends during her 81 years on earth. Most of all, Donna loved the Lord. She accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior and was baptized multiple times during her time at Fourwinds. Even as her memory faded with dementia, her faith and love for Jesus never wavered. Her family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to National Church Residence Hospice and the Fourwinds staff for their compassionate care during Donna's final days. Though Donna's time on earth has ended, her spirit will continue to brighten the lives of all who knew her. To know her was to be drawn in by her wit, her laughter, and her generosity. Her family and friends will celebrate the many memories she leaves behind and cherish the gift of having loved and been loved by her. Calling hours will be Sunday, October 5, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the McWilliams Funeral Home in Wellston. A Celebration of Life service will follow the calling hours at 1 p.m. with Pastor Tim Jones officiating.  Burial will be in the Byer Cemetery. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.mcwilliams-funeralhome.com.

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Funeral Services

Calling hours

October
5

11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Celebration of Life service

October
5

Starts at 1:00 pm

Burial

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