Donna Lee Adkisson

Donna Lee Adkisson

Cedar Rapids

Donna Lee (Wiley) Adkisson, 90, died peacefully on January 27, 2026. Donna spent her final days in hospice care at Promise House in Hiawatha, Iowa. In accordance with Donna’s wishes, no memorial service will be held. A private interment will be conducted this spring at Bethel Cemetery outside Diagonal, Iowa, near the Wiley family century farm.

Donna was born in Diagonal to Donald and Lela Wiley on December 23, 1935. She grew up on the family farm and in 1954 she graduated from Diagonal High School and married Eldon Adkisson. Donna and Eldon traveled to Montgomery, Alabama where Eldon served in the U.S. Air Force. While in Alabama, Donna and Eldon witnessed the bus boycott led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., which led to their lifelong commitment to civil rights.

After Eldon’s military service, Donna and Eldon moved to Maquoketa, Iowa, where they welcomed their son Doug and daughter Jill. Their family later moved to a farm outside of Palo, Iowa, and they finally settled in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. For many years, Donna taught Sunday School and opened her house as a daycare where she had a lasting influence on the lives of the many children who she taught and cared for. Donna is remembered by her long-time neighbors and many dear friends, including Deb Rackle and the Schatzle family.

Donna is survived by her son, Doug Adkisson and daughter-in-law, Stephanie Adkisson; daughter, Jill Yount and son-in-law, Brent Yount; former daughter-in-law, Anne Preziosi; grandson, Jacob Hill; granddaughter, Rachel Keller and grandson-in-law, Kristion Keller; granddaughter, Katie Adkisson; great-grandchildren, Aladin, Kairo, and Damon; younger brother, Wayne Wiley; sister-in-law, Liz Wiley; sister-in-law, Clara Buchanan; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Donna was preceded in death by Eldon, her husband of 65 years; her parents; younger brother, David Wiley; and sister-in-law, Mary Wiley.

The family extends their deep appreciation to the staff at Promise House for making Donna’s final years comfortable.

Donna and Eldon were the foundation of our family, and we will always cherish our time together, especially Christmas, which meant so much to us. Donna loved to bake for everyone and especially her grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to your local food pantry to help those in need during this new year.