Donna Jean Woollums, age 79, of Albia, IA, passed away on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at Oakwood Specialty Care in Albia, surrounded by her loved ones.
Donna was born on January 22, 1947, at the hospital in Albia, IA, to Eugene Jiggs and Mary Belle (Kline) Jordan. She grew up attending school in Albia. On June 15, 1963, she was united in marriage to Warren Woollums and to this union, 3 children were born: Gene, Kimberly, and Kristine.
Donna was a devoted homemaker in her early years, staying at home to raise her children. She later worked as a cook for the Albia Community School District and later the Eddyville Oskaloosa, and Twin Cedars schools. Donna also worked as a secretary for the Albia Police Department.
Donna enjoyed doing word searches, playing cards and board games (especially Rook), and faithfully read her daily devotionals. She loved to dance, especially the Twist, and she and Warren enjoyed square dancing with the Lads and Lassies. She was an excellent cook, well known for her homemade spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, cherry delights, and angel food cake. She enjoyed cleaning and took pride in keeping a spotless home. Donna had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh. Her laughter often filled the room while she watched her favorite television shows, including Three’s Company and Laverne and Shirley. Donna enjoyed attending sprint car races in Knoxville, and Nascar races in Las Vegas and Kansas City, with her favorite sprint car driver being Doug Wolfgang. Donna dearly loved her dogs, Red and Babe. She also loved her grand dogs plus spoiling the neighbors’ dogs with treats. She enjoyed going for walks and was always up for any adventure. Later in life, she enjoyed going for rides and counting the deer. She was a proud firefighter’s wife for 54 years. Above all else, Donna loved her family and cherished the time spent with them, especially her grandchildren. She was devoted to attending their events, such as pedal tractor pulls, soccer, bowling, softball, and trap shooting, even when they were out of state. She loved her sweets, especially chocolate.
Donna is survived by her husband of 62 years, Warren Woollums; 2 children, Kimberly (Dave) Leffler and Kristine (Craig) Boot; 5 grandchildren, Ryan (Emily) Gatlin, Kayla (Brendon) Bishop, Levi Woollums, Lucas (Alexis) Woollums, Sydney (Garrett) Griggs; and 8 great grandchildren, Ryder Gatlin, Paisley Gatlin, Calvin Gatlin, Lincoln Bishop, Scarlett Bishop, Blakely Woollums, Harrison Woollums, and Colson Woollums. Donna is also survived by several bonus step grandchildren, step great grandchildren, and step great-great grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by parents, Jiggs and Mary; a son, Gene Woollums; a son-in-law, Randy Gatlin; and her parents-in-law, Russell and Juanita Woollums.
Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 13, 2026, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Donna’s family present from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. to greet family and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Pastor Paul Hughes officiating. Burial will follow services at Oak View Cemetery in Albia.
Memorials have been established to Oakwood Specialty Care in Albia and the Albia Fire Department.
