After a life of fighting the good fight of faith, showing a daily example of courage, and letting the Lord be strong in her, our loving mother and friend, Donna Massengill, went home to be with the Lord Jesus Christ in His heavenly kingdom (2 Timothy 4:18) on Saturday morning, April 4, 2026, surrounded by her family and friends.
Born on February 27, 1958, in Memphis, Tennessee, Donna was the daughter of the late Edward and Pauline Colston. After graduation from Gray Academy, she attended Northwest Community College. In 1979, she completed the Jackson Police Academy and then served on the Holly Springs police force as the first female police officer. On September 24, 1982, Donna married her rock, Mark Massengill. Together they raised their four boys in Hickory Flat where she worked as a substitute teacher and school secretary. Beginning in 1988, Donna began working at the Benton County Sherrif's Department and later as a scale officer for the Mississippi Department of Transportation. In 2000, she and Mark opened the family business, Barefoot Carriers, until ending operations in 2017. Throughout her life, Donna devoted herself to God and to her family. She enjoyed many things including hunting and shopping, but most of all, she enjoyed spoiling her grandkids.
A true Bible believer and servant of our Lord and Saviour, her devotion to the Lord was evident to anyone she met and kept her unwavering faith in all seasons. As she battled cancer, Donna never complained and never questioned the love and wisdom of Almighty God. She was a constant encouragement and example to her children, grandchildren, and friends as someone anchored in her faith and committed to her family.
Although her life had many obstacles and challenges, her love for the Lord and determination to provide wisdom, counsel, and selfless love always outweighed any hardships. We will miss her greatly but get great comfort knowing she is "absent from the body," but present with the Lord (2 Cor 5:8). Her life of faith, love, and charity will continue to inspire and encourage all who knew her.
She is survived by her husband of forty-four years, Mark Massengill; Three sons: Heath Massengill, Jason Massengill (Amanda), and Chase Massengill (Karla); nine grandchildren: Lauren Johnson, Kenzie Massengill, Zander Massengill, Gage Massengill, Jenna-Lynne Massengill, Eli Massengill, Shiloh Massengill, Titus Massengill, and Brynn Massengill; two great-grandchildren: Anakin and Ellie Mae Seabach; two sisters: Judy Pfahler and Joyce Akin (David); a very dear friend, Clare Pipkin (Ricky); and, a whole host of nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents: Mr. Edward and Mrs. Pauline Colston; a brother: Bobby Colston; a son: Cain Massengill; father and mother-in-law: Mr. Lawrence and Mrs. Jewell Massengill; as well a a brother-in-law: Malcolm Massengill
Visitation will be Tuesday evening, April 7th, 2026 from 5 until 9:00 PM. The funeral service will be held Wednesday, April 8th, 2026 at 1:00 PM. Services will be in the chapel of the Holly Springs Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the McKay cemetery in Hickory Flat where a graveside service will be held. |