Speck Funeral Home - Donna Marie Thrasher

Funeral services for Mrs. Donna Marie Murphy Thrasher, age 78, of the Oak Hill Community of Rickman, Tennessee, will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2026, in the chapel of Speck Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Bethlehem Cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday morning from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service.

On Monday, March 2, 2026, Donna peacefully passed away at her home, surrounded by the comfort and love she so graciously gave to others throughout her life.

Born July 24, 1947, in Cookeville, Tennessee, to the late Donald Willard and Jessie Mare Carmack Murphy, Donna was a proud 1965 graduate of Livingston Academy. From an early age, she carried a servant’s heart — a trait that defined her life.

For many years, Donna faithfully served her community as a Licensed Practical Nurse in the Livingston ER and later as a home health nurse. She cared for others not simply as patients, but as people — offering compassion, kindness, and steady reassurance during life’s most vulnerable moments.

In 1965, she married the love of her life, James Allen Thrasher. Together, they built a beautiful life over 60 devoted years — a life rooted in faith, love, family, and unwavering commitment. Their marriage was a true partnership and an example to all who knew them.

Donna found joy in life’s simple blessings. She loved flowers of every kind and filled her yard and home with their beauty — just as she filled the lives of those around her with warmth. She treasured gatherings around her table, where laughter was shared, stories were told, and everyone felt welcome. Her home was a place of comfort and belonging.

She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, a proud grandmother and great-grandmother, and a faithful Christian woman whose gentle spirit reflected her deep love for the Lord. Donna never met a stranger and treated everyone she encountered with kindness. She also held dear the lifelong friendships of her childhood companions, affectionately known as the “LA Girls.”

Left to cherish her memory are her beloved husband, James Allen Thrasher of Rickman; her son, Craig Thrasher of Rickman; her daughter, Jamie Hunt and husband Jim of Cookeville; her cherished grandchildren, Lindsey Ann Suggs and husband Cody of Crossville, Cooper Kinnaird and Carson Kinnaird, both of Cookeville; her precious great-grandchildren, Rylee Ann Mathia and Kennedie Rae Mathias of Crossville; her sister, Susie Scott of Cookeville; along with several nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Jackie Edward Murphy and Kenneth Lee Murphy.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Quality Hospice and Home Health and Overton County Health and Rehab for their compassionate care and support.

Serving as pallbearers will be Teston Gilpatrick, Craig Thrasher, Cooper Kinnaird, Jim Hunt, and Lee Flatt.

Donna’s life was a testament to love in action — in her marriage, her family, her friendships, and her service to others. Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy blooms on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

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