Donna Evans-Viviani's Obituary
On July 3, 2025, Donna Evans-Viviani went to heaven to be with her Lord and Savior. She passed away at home with her mother and son Vincent at her side.
A memorial celebration of life will be held Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Family Worship Center in Charleston, Illinois.
Donna was born on May 19, 1964, in Charleston, Illinois. Her parents were Sue and Paul Phillips of Charleston and Don and Kathie Pearcy of Lerna. Donna graduated from Charleston High School in 1982. While growing up and into her adult life, Donna was very involved in the Harness Horse Racing business. She loved working with the horses from assisting new foals being born to grooming her favorites at the races. Donna also worked for many years for neurologists Dr. Nino and Dr. Block where she made sure all patients felt at ease and assisted them however she could. Donna also enjoyed working for her aunt and uncle at Pappy’s in Humboldt and then Arcola, where she was known for making all the patrons smile and many times giving them a good laugh.
Donna loved sports. Her favorite football team was the Miami Dolphins. She was an avid NASCAR fan and spent many hours with her son Vincent watching the games and races; as well as watching family and friends race at the Charleston Speedway. Donna enjoyed many hours at the football field and baseball field watching her oldest son Derek and her nephews play. She was a huge cheerleader for all the kids.
Donna was an amazing cook. She was best known for her homemade noodles, lasagna (nicknamed by her great nephews – Aunt Lasagna), her tacos, and her pies. Family dinners at her house were the best. Donna was also known as Momma Donna to many kids. Both of her son’s friends felt like she was a mother figure to them. Donna loved to spend time with her son Vincent and all his friends at Ike’s Bar & Grill while he was working. She also had a very close relationship with her nephews Nick, Scott and Wade Dundee, who spent a great deal of their childhood at her house (she was the fun aunt). Donna was always there to make you smile, listen to you and give you support. Her love for family and friends was endless.
Donna is survived by her mother Sue Phillips-Simms and Rod Simms, who she affectionally called Poppy, of Charleston; her father Don Pearcy and stepmother Kathie of Lerna; her sons Derek (Kelsey) Evans of Campbellsburg, Kentucky and Vincent Viviani of Charleston; her grandchildren Kennedy and Brooks Evans; her sisters Shari Porter of Greenup and Deanna Dalby of Mattoon.
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