Donna Carol Tavener
Apr 13, 1949 - Dec 25, 2020Donna Carol Tavener was born April 13, 1949 in Ithaca, New York to George and Shirley Allhusen. She was raised in Cayuga, New York where she and her husband, Paul Tavener, grew up. They married July 1, 1972 and embarked on a life of ministry together.
Donna graduated from Cayuga Community Collage with an Associates Degree.
She went on the graduate from Bloomburg University with a Bachelors of Arts in Business Education. Donna taught at Mynderse Academy High School in Seneca Falls, New York for 2 years.
After marriage when Paul began his ministry at Bible Baptist Church in Syosset, New York she was the perfect helpmate. She served as Church Secretary for many years in Oceanport, New Jersey when Paul was pastor at Calvary Baptist Church. Donna played the organ and piano, sang and was involved with various children’s ministries. Wherever there was a ministry need, Donna was happy to help. When Paul and Donna moved to Oklahoma in 1997, she jumped in to help with the music ministry of the Go Ye Village Chapel. Donna treasured the relationships she made with the folks at Go ye Village over the years.
Donna retired from her job as a Child Nutrition Secretary for Tahlequah Public Schools in 2016 after 19 years. She was awarded the Support Employee of the year 2012/2013. Donna enjoyed being recognized as the “Lunch Lady” when children saw her around town.
Donna and Paul were blessed with three children. Philip Tavener, his wife Susana and children (Skylar, Briana and Scott) live in Long Branch, New Jersey. Their daughter, Melissa Shaw, her husband Bob and children (Robbie, Emma, Hannah and Zachary) live in Hulbert, Oklahoma. Their youngest daughter, Lindsey Rhoads, her husband Jason and children (Ava, Alexis, and Addison) live in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.
Donna is preceded in death by her mother, Shirley Allhusen. Those left to cherish her memory include her husband Paul of 48 years, her 3 children and 10 grandchildren. Donna will be greatly missed by her father George Allhusen; her sister, Sharon Cummings; her sister, Christine Chalupnicki; and her brother Gary Allhusen and their families. Numerous members of her extended family and friends will treasure her memory as well.
Donna left this life on Christmas Day, December 25, 2020 at the age of 71 after a month long hospital stay. We rejoice that she is celebrating in heaven with her Lord, whom she dearly loved. We look forward to seeing her again in glory some day.
The family requests that any memorial funds be donated to Christ For Me, Inc 1694 Graham Avenue Tahlequah, OK 74464
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