Donna Thompson

Donna Gail Thompson, 73, of Norman, passed away on September 17, 2025 in Oklahoma City. Services will be held at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at Tribute Memorial Care, 4300 W Indian Hills Rd. Norman, OK 73072. The family will receive friends from 5-7 PM on Monday, September 22, 2025 at Tribute Memorial Care.

She was born on October 13, 1951, in Norman to Charles E. and Geneva Lorene (White) Haynes.

Growing up in Norman with her two siblings, Donna’s love for family began early and became the foundation of her life. She attended Norman Public Schools and graduated with the Class of 1969. During high school, she was honored as the All School Queen, President of her Class, sang in the choir, and performed as part of the Triple Trio, where her love of music shone brightly.

Donna went on to attend Oklahoma State University, earning her bachelor’s degree in Housing and Interior Design. On September 17, 1976, she married the love of her life, Julian Thompson, beginning a lifelong partnership of love and creativity. Donna worked as an interior designer and Julian as an architect, a perfect pairing that allowed them to blend their talents both at home and professionally.

The couple began their careers at Frankfurt-Short-Bruza Associates in Oklahoma before moving to Philadelphia in 1987 for new opportunities. Donna continued her career at BLM (now Array Architects) while also building a deep spiritual home at Wayne Presbyterian Church, where she served as an elder, taught Sunday School, and led Vacation Bible School. She embraced her role in ministry, touching countless lives with her gentle spirit.

Family was always Donna’s greatest joy. She and Julian poured their hearts into raising their daughter, Julia, ensuring her childhood was filled with love, adventure, and faith. In 2008, they returned to Norman, where Donna reconnected with her siblings and continued freelance design work. She contributed her creativity to notable projects such as the Oklahoma State Capitol, the Crystal Bridge, and the Children’s Hospital.

Donna was a devoted member of First Christian Church of Norman, the same church where she worshiped as a child. She also found joy in simple pleasures—gardening, horseback riding, and especially caring for the golden retrievers she adored throughout her life. In later years, her greatest blessing came in becoming a grandmother. She cherished her grandchildren deeply, treasuring every moment with them. After Julian’s passing in 2017, her grandchildren filled her heart and helped ease the loss of her beloved husband.

Donna will be remembered for her gentle and giving nature, her creativity, her faith, and her unwavering devotion to her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Lorene Haynes; her husband, Julian Thompson; and numerous loyal golden retriever companions. She is survived by her daughter, Julia Thompson and her significant other, Julian Castilleja; her brother Mick Haynes and wife Carol; her sister Sherri Haynes; her grandchildren, Juliette Thompson-Castilleja and Julius Thompson-Castilleja; her beloved dog, Ollie; and a large extended family of nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss her dearly.