Donna J. Holly

Donna J. Holly, 86, of Emporium, PA, passed away Sunday morning, December 28, 2025, at UPMC–Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA.

She was born September 9, 1939, in Elwood City, PA, a daughter of the late Morris and Doris Hanks Lyman, and was lovingly raised by her grandparents, Harry and Wilma Hanks.

Donna graduated from Oswayo Valley High School in 1957, where she worked as secretary to the supervising principal. In 1963, she moved to State College, PA, and was employed as a secretary at the Penn State Continuing Education Center. She later moved to Emporium in 1966, where she worked as a secretary at Sylvania Electronics. Donna continued her career as a bookkeeper and assistant trust officer at Bucktail Bank and Trust Company, and later as an assistant trust officer at National City Bank in St. Marys and DuBois.

She concluded her working career as a bookkeeper at Lyn Clare Flower Shop in St. Marys, retiring in 2011 after many years of dedicated service.

Donna was a faithful member of the Endless Mountains Methodist Church of Emporium, where she taught Sunday School for several years, sang in the church choir, and was an active member of the Methodist Women, Deborah Circle, and Sonshine Circle. Over the years, she also served on numerous church committees, including Trustees, Finance, and Church Council. Her devotion to her church and community was evident throughout her life.

She is survived by one daughter, Karen (Thad) Melton of Newport News, VA; son-in-law, David Glessner, Friedens, PA; four grandchildren, Kara Mayer, Heather (Chris) Martin, Jonathan Mayer (Alexis), and Shawn Glessner; two great-grandchildren; two brothers, Ken Lyman of Friendship, NY, and Jerry (Linda) Lyman of Richburg, NY; one sister, Melania (Lee) Johnston of Friendship, NY; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to her parents and grandparrents, Donna was preceded in death by a daughter Susan Glessner; sister-in-law, Joan Lyman; brother, Michael Lyman; nephews, Chris Lyman and Wyatt Brimmer; cousins, Donald and David Jandrew; and her aunt and uncle, Leola and Robert Jandrew.

A funeral service will be held at the Endless Mountains Methodist Church, 306 South Spruce Street, Emporium, PA, on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 11:00 AM with Rev. Dr. Andrew P. Spore, Pastor, officiating. The family will receive friends at the Church on Saturday from 10:00-10:45 AM.

Burial will be in the Ceres Cemetery, Ceres, New York.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Endless Mountains Methodist Church, 306 South Spruce Street, Emporium, PA 15834, or to the Ceres Cemetery Association, Ceres, NY.

Online Condolences may be placed at www.BarnettFuneralHome.net

BARNETT FUNERAL HOME, Inc. entrusted with arrangements.