DONNA HOLLY COURTNEY SIMPSON
Born in Ellenton in 1927. Died on June 27, 2025. She was a descendant of two pioneer families. Daughter of Thelma Wood Holly and Reginald Stuart Holly. Paternal grandparents were Mae Tyner Holly and Robert J. Holly, owner of the Sanford Herald. Maternal grandparents, J.R. Wood, vegetable broker and Mayor of Ellenton, and Pearl Tyler Wood, a charter member of the First Baptist Church of Palmetto. They owned the Gamble Mansion from 1914 to 1920.
Donna graduated from Palmetto High School in 1945, where she was involved in many activities: class officer, drum major, Glee Club, Annual Staff, cheerleader, Tiger Scratches staff, basketball, homecoming sponsor, and senior notable. Taught elementary education on an emergency certificate. Married the late Don Courtney on October 3, 1947. Donna became involved in the community early on. She was elected the first president of the Beta Sigma Phi County Council, president of Palmetto Elementary PTA, president of Palmetto High School PTSA. Organized Tigerettes while vice president of the Palmetto Jr. Women's Club and secretary of Palmetto Boosters. President of Judah P. Benjamin Chapter, U.D.C., co-chairperson of the first Children's DeSoto parade in Palmetto, chairperson DeSoto Queens' contest for 10 years, charter member Palmetto Historical Commission, vice-president Service Club of Manatee County, charter member Library Foundation, chairperson Governor's Advisory Council for Gamble Plantation for three years, member Osceola Chapter, D.A.R., Manatee County Historical Society, president of Women of Manatee County Republican Club. Chaired benefits for Girls Club and South Florida Museum. Chairperson "Collectors" since 1970.
President Manatee County Medical Society Alliance, member Bradenton Yacht Club and the Monday Club. Member First Baptist Church of Palmetto. Voted one of the ten best-groomed women of Manatee County. Donna was interested in making places more beautiful and used her skills to help her friends and family decorate their homes, the Palmetto Women's Club, South Florida Museum, Gamble Mansion, Patton House, and her own homes, plus Palmetto Baptist Church. Being a Southern lady, her hospitality was well known throughout the county as she opened her homes to many cultural events and fundraisers. Favorite pastime was antique collecting and becoming a useful citizen.
She is survived by son John Courtney; brother James E. Reynolds (Darlene); nieces Kelli Gross (Rick), Megan Pence (Brandon), Dr. Cheryl Reynolds (Paul), Dee Lewis (Burke); nephews Rick Smith, David Reynolds (Robynn), Jack Pace (Amanda); and great-nieces and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by husbands Don Courtney and Dr. Sam Simpson; two sisters, Alice Pace Oxford and Emily Smith.
A Visitation will be held on Tuesday July 1, 2025, from 10AM-12PM with a Memorial Service to follow at 12PM at Brown and Sons Funeral Homes and Crematory, 43rd St. Chapel, 604 43rd St. W., Bradenton, FL 34209.
Brown and Sons Funeral Homes and Crematory, 43rd St. Chapel, 604 43rd St. W., Bradenton, FL 34209, is in charge of arrangements.
