Donna Jean Davis- Rickert transitioned on March 9 ^th , 2020, in her home surrounded by family. She was born on May 28th, 1939 in Parkersburg, W. Va. to the late Barbara Irene Catlipp- Davis and Aloysius Lawrence Davis.

She began her employment early on with the Internal Revenue Dept. in Parkersburg, until she met and married the love her life William W. Rickert Jr. and relocated to Erie, Pa.  Upon her move she would immediately begin working as Payroll & finance Administrator at Inland Container for many years. It was their desire to return to the south and Donna was offered a position with Martin Marietta Nuclear Power plant in Knoxville, Tennessee, where they lived for 6 years.  Due to unforeseen health issues the family returned to Erie.  She then began her career with Erie County adult Probation   Simultaneously doing so, she also was the office manager for the Erie County retail theft diversion program; until she retired from Erie County.

It was evident early on that Donna was born with a God given talent of music.  Her love for piano, and organ began at the young age of 7 in Parkersburg; when she was gifted a piano given to her mother by her mother's employer. She became the youngest church musician at age 12 at Zion Baptist Church; where she played for 14 years.  She formed a community choir that traveled for many years all over WV and Ohio. At age 15 she attended St Xavier School of music where she would craft her talent and learn to read music.  That would be the start of her musical ministry journey.  Upon moving to Erie, she would begin playing piano for many local churches in the area to include Second Baptist Church, Morning Star Baptist Church, Mount Ebal Baptist Church- minister of music, Victory Christina Center Antioch Baptist Church- male chorus and lastly Shiloh Baptist Church.  She had a special place in her heart for Male Chorus throughout her career.  In addition, While in Knoxville she joined Payne Avenue Missionary Baptist church and started their 1 ^st young adult choir. God blessed Donna with the strength to play piano for 69 years, where she was ever faithful to her calling.

However, her finest accomplishments in life was that of "Mom", Nana" and "Aunt Donna".

To know Donna- you knew her life was dedicated to faith, family and friends, service to others. She opened her heart and home to all "Everyone was family".  If it was in her power to give a helping hand up, she would go to any length to do so.  She loved playing the piano, spreading the gospel and watching TV, and people watching while sitting on her porch, and cruising.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband William W. Rickert Jr. and all her siblings -3 brothers- Aloysius Davis Jr, Robert Davis, Earl Davis; 4 sisters Dora Davis, Barbara Powell, Carolyn Lindsey and Deborah Fields.

She leaves to cherish her memory, four daughters, Tracey (Steven) Thomas, Terri (Jeffrey) Moyer- partner Greg Ramsey, Timeree (Michael) Byrd of Erie, Pa. Toia (Wayne) Elliott of Indianapolis, In., and one son Michael ( Shauna) Davis of Parkersburg, WV; 17 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.  We can't fail to mention three very special people in her life- one niece Jewell Williams, two life-long friends Robert Crosby and Sharon Wright, along with her cousin Gloria Brody.