Donna Marie Howard, 94

Donna Marie Howard, 94, of Penney Farms, FL passed away Saturday, March 21, 2026.  She was born in Oakland, NE to the late Harold Paulson and Erma Tyrone Paulson.  As a supportive Navy wife, Donna traveled to many duty stations before settling in northeast Florida where she worked for Dr. Alvis as an optometry assistant.  Donna moved to Penney Farms in 2015 where she was well known and well loved, even being crowned “Miss Penney Farms” in 2022.  She was a loving and giving woman, who was steady in her faith as a prayerful and humble servant.

Mrs. Howard was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Erma Paulson; and her beloved husband, James “JP” Howard.  She is survived by her four sons, Paul Howard (Pam), James Howard (Phoebe), John Howard and Michael Howard (Margaret); one daughter, Kathleen Leis (Mark); as well as 25 grandchildren; and 37 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held Friday, April10, 2026 at 12:00pm at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 7190 US-17, Fleming Island, FL 32003 with Father Donal Sullivan officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made in Donna’s memory to her beloved church, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, https://giving.parishsoft.com/app/giving/sacredheartcatholicchurch.