Donna Walker Carns

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Donna Joyner Walker Carns, who departed this life on August 5, 2026, at AMG Specialty Hospital in Batesville, Mississippi. Born on July 24, 1958, Donna was a beloved daughter, mother, grandmother, and friend whose warmth and devotion touched all who knew her.

Donna’s journey was one of unwavering love, both given and received. She grew up surrounded by the care of her late parents, Fletcher and Elsie Joyner, who instilled in her the values of kindness, resilience, and faith. These qualities blossomed throughout her life, evident in every relationship she nurtured.

For many years, Donna dedicated herself to her profession as an admissions clerk at the North Mississippi Medical Center in Iuka. Her commitment to her work was matched only by her compassion for every patient and colleague she encountered. After decades of service marked by quiet diligence and generous spirit, Donna retired in July 2023, leaving behind memories of genuine friendship and gentle encouragement among those she worked with.

Faith was the cornerstone of Donna’s life. As a devoted member of the Iuka church of Christ, she found purpose and joy in both worship and community. She cherished her time attending the Ladies group at church, where laughter, prayer, and camaraderie were abundant. Her spiritual life provided her with unshakeable strength, guiding her actions and reassuring those around her through difficult times.

Beyond her career and faith, Donna had a zest for the simple pleasures of life. She was an avid fan of NASCAR races, delighting in the thrill of the track and the community it fostered. At home, her beloved dogs, Bear and Christy, brought her daily comfort and companionship, their loyalty a reflection of her own.

Her greatest legacy, though, is found in her family. Donna’s love, unfaltering and unconditional, surrounds her daughters, Elizabeth St. John and Jennifer Sills, and extends with pride and affection to her sons-in-law, Daniel and John. Her grandchildren, Stella Sills and John Caiden Sills, were her heart’s joy, and she found endless delight in their laughter and growth. Donna’s presence in their lives was a gentle light, her wisdom and devotion shaping their experiences and memories. Though she now rests, her guidance and love continue on in each of them.

In mourning Donna are her beloved daughters and their families: Elizabeth St. John and her husband Daniel, Jennifer Sills and her husband John, as well as cherished grandchildren, Stella Sills and John Caiden Sills. She is preceded in death by her dearly missed father, Fletcher Joyner, and mother, Elsie Joyner.

Cutshall Funeral Home in Iuka, MS is entrusted with the arrangements. Visitation is scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026, from 11am until 1pm, at the Iuka Church of Christ. Services are scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 1pm, at Iuka Church of Christ. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery. Though Donna Walker Carns has departed from our sight, her influence remains—woven into stories, hearts, and the bonds she nurtured so tenderly. Her laughter, care, and faith will endure, a legacy honored by all who love her.

Details regarding funeral or memorial services will be forthcoming, allowing family and friends the opportunity to gather and celebrate Donna’s remarkable life.