Judge Donna Kay Anthony

Judge Donna Kay Anthony

March 24, 1958 - March 18, 2026

Judge Donna Kay Anthony, 67, of Fayette County, Tennessee, passed away Wednesday March 18, 2026. Donna was born on March 24, 1958 in Memphis, TN to John Elgin and Sally Belle Anthony. Donna is survived by her brother John Richard Anthony (Mary), one niece Jenna Anthony, and two nephews Luke and Ryan Anthony. She was predeceased by her parents.

Donna graduated from the University of Memphis with a Bachelor of Science in English Education and a Master of Education. She taught high school English at Fayette Academy. In 1989 she completed her Juris Doctor at the Washington University School of Law in St. Louis, serving as an editor on the University Law Quarterly and President of the Federalist Society Chapter.

Donna began her almost 38-year career in law as a judicial law clerk. She then served as a Public Defender in Poplar Bluff, MO and as District Defender in West Plains, MO. In 2008 she was honored as the Defender of Distinction. She entered private practice in 2017. In 2018 she was elected as an Associate 37th Circuit Court Judge, serving 5 years on the bench prior to retiring to her home in Fayette County, TN.

Donna was a long-time member of New Hope Baptist Church in Peace Valley, Missouri and a recent attendee at Kirk Baptist Church in Fayette County, TN. Donna supported ministries across the church including teaching adult and youth Sunday School, coaching children’s Bible drill, and serving on church committees.

Donna enjoyed history and genealogy, tracing the Anthony family back to England. She also planned and took adventures with her mother and aunt, as well as her niece and nephews. Donna loved animals and spending time with her dogs Mo and Abby and her chickens.

A visitation for Donna will be held Thursday March 26 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Peebles West Funeral Home, 10670 US-64 in Somerville, TN, with a funeral service to follow at 1:00 PM officiated by Brother Danny Spurlock, pastor of Kirk Baptist Church. Burial will be at Magnolia Cemetery 435 S Mt Pleasant Rd, in Collierville, TN. The funeral service will also be livestreamed.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Jeff Anthony, Luke Anthony, Raymond Anthony, Ryan Anthony, Anthony Morton, and Frank Stewart. Honorary pallbearers are Murray “Steve” Anthony and Thomas Anthony.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Missouri Baptist Children’s Home or Missouri Baptist Bible Drill.

Lovingly written by the family to honor a life well lived.