Donna Lee (Dooley) Taylor

Donna Lee (Dooley) Taylor was born August 21, 1934 in Mid Ridge, Missouri to Charlie Vandoris and Nellie Elizabeth (Wallace) Dooley. She grew up and attended grade school in Eminence. Donna also lived in the St. Louis area for a time before making Salem her home. Donna was united in marriage to, Lloyd Wayne Westerman, March 3, 1951 and to this union blessed with five children: Gale, Gary, Toby, Renee, and Bryan. Donna later married her sweetheart, Clarence Junior Taylor, December 1, 1990 in Salem, Missouri and together shared twenty-four years of memories before his passing on October 25, 2014. Donna cared for her family and worked hard to help provide for them. In her early working years, she worked retail in St. Louis, and for a time at the International Shoe Factory. Donna and Lloyd owned and operated Westerman’s Café for several years and enjoyed meeting new people. Donna later worked as a cook at the Senior Center and valued her time there. Donna was very passionate about cooking and baking for her family. She had a real talent in the kitchen, and her family had a deep love for her apple pies and apple cakes. Donna cherished the time with her family and treasured making memories with them, especially on family vacations, cruises, and camping trips. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy. In her spare time, Donna enjoyed spending time sitting on the porch and drinking coffee. She liked tending to her flower beds and harvesting from her garden. Donna was an avid Bingo player and played often with her sisters. She was a woman of faith and attended Dry Fork Baptist Church. Donna departed this life December 15, 2021 at the age of eighty-seven years. She leaves behind to cherish her memory, her loving children: Gale Westerman of Rolla, MO, Toby Westerman, Renee Greenshields and husband David, and Bryan Westerman all of Salem, MO; grandchildren: Nathan Boland of Chicago, IL, Megan Burkhart and husband Dillon of Salem, MO, and Ashley Qualls and husband Taylor of Lee's Summit, MO; great-grandchildren: Everly Violet Burkhart and Edison Drew Qualls; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and dear friends. Preceding her in death, husband: Clarence Taylor, son: Gary Westerman; parents: Charlie and Nellie Dooley; and siblings: Lois Krause, Katherine Thomas, Carl Mock, Joe Dooley, and Elmo Dooley. Donna was beautiful inside and out, she was a special lady to many and will be forever missed. Memorial Services for Donna Lee (Dooley) Taylor were held Sunday, December 19, 2021 in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel with Pastor Joe Hubbs officiating. Song selections played were “I Can Only Imagine” and “Lord, I’m Coming Home”. Arrangements were under the direction of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri. Memorial Contributions may be made in memory of Donna Taylor and left at Wilson Mortuary. Condolences may be left at www.wilsonmortuary.com

Donna Lee (Dooley) Taylor

August 21, 1934 - December 15, 2021