Donna Kay Garman, 83, of Pensacola, FL, passed away on Monday August 24, 2026, just days before her 84th birthday. Generous, gracious, and endlessly thoughtful, Donna had a remarkable gift for making others feel cared for. Nothing brought her greater happiness than doing something for someone she loved.

Born on September 1, 1942, in Shawnee, Oklahoma, Donna was the only child of Roy and Nell Eckert. She attended Shawnee High School, where she met Stephen Lewis Garman, and later continued her education at Oklahoma Baptist University. Gifted with remarkably nimble hands, Donna won numerous large-scale jacks and typing competitions in her younger years and was also an accomplished pianist. Throughout her life, she returned to Shawnee for reunions and sustained friendships that reached back to childhood.

Donna and Steve built a life that carried their family from Oklahoma City to Westminster, Colorado, and ultimately to Pensacola in 1978, when Steve became Pensacola’s City Manager. Donna embraced the public responsibilities accompanying his career, hosting civic gatherings, welcoming visiting officials, and attending functions throughout the country with warmth and gracious hospitality. Although they later divorced, Donna and Steve remained on friendly terms and shared an enduring bond through their three children and growing family. Steve preceded her in death in 2019.

Pensacola was Donna’s home for nearly five decades. She was a steadfast member and elder of First Presbyterian Church, as well as a volunteer with its Congregational Care team. Donna personally delivered flowers and warmth to homebound members, helping them remain connected to their church family.

Donna’s spirit of service extended throughout her community. She served on the board of the Council on Aging of West Florida, generously supporting seniors in the Pensacola area. She was also a longtime PTA member and frequently volunteered in various capacities at her children’s schools.

Donna spent more than two decades at McAlpin Interiors, where her eye for beauty and natural sense of style made her perfectly at home. That love of beautiful things extended into her kitchen and dining room. An enthusiastic cook and hostess, Donna continually acquired cookware and dishware, leaving her perpetually challenged to find space for it all. Somehow, there was always room for one more piece, just as there was always room for one more person at Donna’s table.

Cooking for large family gatherings was one of her greatest pleasures. Preparing a meal was never simply about food. It was an expression of love, generously served and planned around what would make everyone else happy.

On fall Saturdays, Donna faithfully cheered for her beloved Oklahoma Sooners. She was also a devoted supporter of the Catholic High School Crusaders. She loved the music of her teenage years, particularly the songs of the 1950s, and treasured having seen Elvis Presley perform in concert twice.

Donna was the kind of friend who remembered, reached out, and could always be counted upon. Her sweetness was accompanied by grace and class, but it was her warm heart that people remembered most.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Nell Eckert, and by her former husband and the father of her children, Stephen Lewis Garman.

Above all, Donna cherished her family. She is survived by her children, Stephen “Sean” Garman (Caroline), Heidi Amberson (James), and Christian Garman (Sheree); her grandchildren, Lauren Faranda (Anthony), Maddi Amberson, Emily Amberson and her fiancé, Dalton Christopher, Rylee Garman, and Gracie Garman; and her great-granddaughter, Natalie Faranda.

Donna leaves behind a legacy of generosity, grace, hospitality, faith, and devotion to others. Her family and friends will remember the meals she prepared, the gatherings she made special, and the countless thoughtful ways she placed others before herself. Her greatest gift was not simply that she cared for people, but that she made certain they knew they were cared for.

A memorial service celebrating Donna’s life will be held Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Pensacola. Those unable to attend in person are invited to view the service live on YouTube.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Donna’s honor to the Council on Aging of West Florida.