Donna Crisman

Donna Jean Crisman, age 92, of Sparta, went home to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Monday, September 16, 2024 from her home and surrounded by family and friends. The daughter of John D. & Ellen Christina (Bell) Longcore, she was born on March 6, 1932 in rural northern Kent County. She attended Longcore School through the eighth grade, where Donna was one among 80 other students – all having just one teacher! Donna and her younger sister (by just 17 months), Dorothy, lost their dear mother at the ages and 5 and 3, after which their father remarried and they were sent to live with their grandparents on a dairy farm. The two sisters had wonderful experiences and made beautiful memories. Donna’s favorite childhood memory was her Grandmother holding and rocking her while telling her how loved she was and that God and her Mother were watching over her. Donna met her husband, Herbert Franklin Crisman, when she was just 15 years old and knew then that “he was the one”. After Herbert proposed, they drove to Bryan, Ohio and were married and together they enjoyed 52 years of marriage until Herb passed away after a lingering illness. Donna was his faithful caregiver – always there to give and comfort. Herb was a veteran of the Korean War and was buried with full military honors. Although Herb and Donna never had children of their own, Donna’s sister, Dorothy, had three boys: Wayne “Butch”, Mitchell, and Mark. Dorothy was happy to have the boys stay with Aunt Donna as much as she wanted. In fact, the three boys feel like they were blessed with two Mom’s. Her “boys” called her almost daily and took her anywhere she wanted to go. Donna also worked outside the home in a variety of careers including employment at Dexter-Locke, General Motors, a dental office, and the jewelry counter at Wal-Mart. Donna had been a resident of Harvest Way Retirement Village for the past 25 years. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and her sister, Dorothy Ann Geldersma. Surviving are many nephews, nieces, great-nephews, great-nieces, and cousins; and many dear friends and neighbors. Honoring her wishes, Donna will be laid to rest beside her late husband at the Veterans Home Cemetery in Grand Rapids with private family services. Donna’s life was marked with zeal and love for her Heavenly Father. Her heart was full of God’s love and she was not ashamed to tell others about Him. She always lit up a room by her presence and stylish outfits and matching jewelry. She was brave and feisty and will be dearly missed. Thank you, Aunt Donna, for all the unconditional love you showed our family. To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Donna’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006, exclusive providers of Veterans Funeral Care. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Donna Crisman, please visit our flower store.