Evelyn Joyce Donnell

Our beloved Evelyn J. Donnell went to dance with her Jesus on July 8, 2025. This was just five days short of turning 99 years old!

Evelyn Joyce (Brigham) Donnell was born July 13, 1926, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Walter and Catherine (Cobden) Brigham. Evelyn loved to share that at age 11, she had a beautiful vision of being with Jesus on a large, old-fashioned wooden sailing ship. Jesus spoke to her, telling her that at the time He had to leave but after a long life He would be back for her.

Evelyn graduated from Dearborn High School in Dearborn, Michigan and Michigan State University, with a degree in education. It was here that she met the love of her life, Stephen Donnell, when he returned from World War II. They were wed on March 24, 1949, with Evelyn causing quite a stir by going against tradition and wearing a copper-colored wedding dress. They were married for 69 years!

One of Evelyn’s first and favorite jobs was being a kindergarten teacher. She loved the children and loved to tell stories from this time in her life. While living in Michigan, it became apparent that they wanted children of their own. This was made possible through the gift of adoption of Michael and Lana. In their hearts they were a complete family. Michael says they did an outstanding job to love them well and to instill good values in their lives.

Stephen’s Lockheed Martin employment led the family to Colorado, Washington, and California. In 1967, the family moved to eastern Oregon with a desire to give the children a better and safer place to grow up. Throughout their moves, Evelyn continued being a teacher, artist and writer.

Evelyn and Stephen were involved in many business, political and educational groups and enjoyed encouraging and supporting others. Evelyn loved to cook for her family and friends. Their home was often filled with dinner guests, including dignitaries from various countries. Any occasion was a reason for a celebration! Evelyn was known for her love of hamburgers, ice cream, and cheesecake!

At age 42, Evelyn knelt beside her bed and declared to Jesus that she couldn’t do life on her own and dedicated her life to Him. Nothing was more important to Evelyn than sharing Jesus and His love with others. Evelyn could minister to anyone and was a prayer warrior. Through Aglow, Right Writers, Glorious Grannies, and many other bible studies, Evelyn became like a mother and a great spiritual mentor to many in various walks of life. She never wanted to take the credit, but many lives were changed because of her prayers and relationships. She was a member of Faith Center in Island City for over 45 years.

Evelyn loved the arts and was a gifted writer. Her poems and short stories were published in magazines. Well into her 80’s she continued to be a part of writing clinics to further her skills. At the age of 86, Evelyn started a blog, “Dream Wise,” http://dreamwiseed.blogspot.com. She released her first self-published book, Mandated Miracles: How God Leaves His Fingerprint on Our Lives-My Story of Miracles, in 2020 at age 94.

With the help of her amazing friend, Ellen Witcraft, Evelyn was able to stay in the home that Stephen had built for their retirement.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband Stephen, daughter Lana Lay, her parents, brother Martin, sister Catherine, and her many pets she knew would be greeting her in heaven.

She is survived by her son Michael Donnell, grandchildren Brandon Donnell, Lindsey Sorenson, Ben McLeod, Beth Ann Abrams, Evelyn Biggs, son-in-law Ken Lay, niece Betty Jo Elvgren of Virginia, nephew and wife, Bruce and Bev Donnell of Idaho, 13 great- grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held August 2, 2025, 1:00 p.m., at Faith Center, 10300 S. D Street, Island City, Oregon.