Donna Jean Garner, a lifelong devotee to her faith and a testament to the power of lifelong learning, died on April 3, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas. She was 61 years old.
Surrounded by her family, Garner leaves behind a legacy defined by academic perseverance and a deep commitment to spiritual service. Her journey from the industrial heart of Detroit to the community of San Antonio was marked by a series of triumphs over health obstacles and a relentless drive to serve others through counseling and ministry.
For those seeking the Donna Jean Garner Obituary (2026) – San Antonio, TX, her life story is one of resilience. Born September 25, 1964, in Detroit, Michigan, to Robert Lee and Carol Yvonne Smith, Garner spent her early years in a city that shaped her strength and her initial spiritual awakening.
A Pursuit of Academic Excellence
Whereas many find their educational path early in life, Garner’s academic journey was a focused, adult pursuit that mirrored her spiritual growth. After relocating to Texas in 2012, she committed herself to higher education, beginning with the attainment of her G.E.D. This served as the foundation for her enrollment at San Antonio College.
During her tenure at the college, Garner was recognized for her academic rigor, earning placements on both the Dean’s List and the President’s Club. Her dedication culminated in 2023, when she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Drug Addiction Counseling, a field that allowed her to merge her faith with practical, clinical support for those in crisis.
Even as she faced significant health challenges, Garner refused to stop her education. She entered ministerial school and successfully completed her first year of study, fulfilling a lifelong dream of formalizing her call to preach the gospel.
Timeline of Major Milestones
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1964 | Born in Detroit, Michigan |
| 1986 | Married Ricky Sturdivant |
| 2012 | Relocated to San Antonio, Texas |
| 2023 | Graduated with Bachelor’s in Drug Addiction Counseling |
| 2026 | Passed away on April 3 in San Antonio |
Spiritual Journey and Community Impact
Garner’s faith was the central axis of her life. Her spiritual path began at an early age in Detroit at the Open Door Rescue Mission, where she first dedicated her life to Christ. This early commitment evolved into a lifelong ministry of preaching and helping the marginalized.
Upon moving to San Antonio, she rededicated her life to her faith and became an active member of the Word of Faith Christian Center. Under the leadership of Pastor Rodney Pierce, she found a spiritual home that supported her ambitions in both counseling and ministerial studies. Those who knew her describe her as a woman of profound generosity, often noted for her willingness to provide both emotional support and material help to anyone in need.
Family and Personal Passions
Beyond her academic and spiritual achievements, Garner was known as the “life of the party,” a woman whose warmth was expressed through hospitality and a love for family gatherings. She met Ricky Sturdivant in 1983, and the two married in 1986, eventually raising two daughters, Rikki and Rickessa Sturdivant.
Her personal life was filled with simple joys: a love for the music of Luther Vandross, the patience of crochet, and the camaraderie of fishing and barbecuing with her brother, Charles Bell, and her grandchildren. She was likewise known for her love of shopping and her frequent visits to Chili’s.
Garner was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Lee and Carol Yvonne Smith; her sister, Elizabeth Hodges; her brother, Steven Smith; and her brothers Butch, Robert Lee, and Tony Smith, as well as her nephew, Lawrence Smith.
She is survived by her daughters, Rikki and Rickessa Sturdivant; nine grandchildren: Montez, Cornell, Saniya, Adonis, Yahle’, Dev’nell, Jr. Boons, Syier, and Jakai; and two great-grandchildren, Amiyah and Ma’haevin. She also leaves behind her brother, Charles Bell; sister-in-law Sarina Smith; and a large network of nieces, nephews, and friends.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes based on obituary records and does not constitute a medical or legal document.
The family and the community at Word of Faith Christian Center continue to honor her memory as a beacon of faith and educational achievement in San Antonio. Final arrangements and memorial details are handled by the family.
We invite readers to share their memories of Donna Jean Garner or offer condolences to the Sturdivant and Bell families in the comments below.
