Donna Jean Elam, nee Bicknell, 53, of New Baden, Ill., born Sept. 27, 1957, in Hamilton, Ohio, died Thursday, April 28, 2011, at her residence.



Donna's life was one of service as she always put others before herself. She was always the last to get new clothes and rarely bought anything for herself. She raised three boys sometimes by herself while the military sent her husband away sometimes for a year. She worked with developmentally disabled adults for 17 years taking great joy in seeing them accomplish their goals. Her life was mostly lived out behind the scenes until she found herself in the role of Pastor's wife. She served State Park Baptist Church for women's ministry leader and organized ministries such as a community Thanksgiving dinner and clothing giveaways. To help support these ministries she organized yard sales and bake sales. She also served as choir director, Sunday school secretary and taught a special needs class. She also put together praise chorus books to be used during worship service. During the adult VBS she lead the crafts and allowed the adults to be kids again for a short time. Other interests included putting puzzles together, knitting, and sewing even making the kids clothes. She also enjoyed working in the yard as well as in the home.



She was preceded in death by her father, Roy Bicknell; step-father, Edwin Pence; her daughter, Jeanette Elam; and granddaughter, Abigail Elam.



Surviving are her husband, Richard "Rick" Elam of New Baden, Ill., whom she married on Nov. 23, 1974; her mother, Rita, nee Hipp, Bicknell Pence of Hamilton, Ohio; sons, Roy (Ashley Maier) Elam of Salem, Ore., Joshua (Jenni) Elam of Belleville, Ill., and Jacob (Stephanie) Elam of Edwardsville, Ill.; two brothers, David (Diane) Bicknell of Hamilton, Ohio, and Ron (Lucy) Bicknell of Hamilton, Ohio; her sister, Debbie (Roger) Christophel of Inwood W.Va.; and three grandchildren, Simon, Riley and Katie Elam.



Memorials may be made to the family. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.herrfuneral.com



Visitation: Friends may call from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, May 2, 2011, at Herr Funeral Home, Collinsville, Ill.



Funeral: Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, May 2, 2011, at Herr Funeral Home, Collinsville, Ill., with Rev. Richard Newcomb and Rev. Sherman Smith officiating. Burial will be at Woodlawn Cemetery, Edwardsville, Ill.



HERR FUNERAL HOME, Collinsville, Ill.