Donna Barnett Knauer died peacefully with her family by her side on November 11, 2021. She was predeceased by her parents, Nadia L’Engle Barnett, Donald Murray Barnett, and her beloved husband, William Jerome Knauer, Jr. (Jerry), sister Nadia Barnett Nightingale, and brother Donald Murray Barnett, Jr. She is survived by her four children: Donna Ennis (David deceased), Diane Ludwig, Jerry Knauer (Biggs) and Deborah Knauer; her four grandchildren: Claire Cashio (Jason), Chris Ennis (Leslie), Ash Ludwig, and Bion Ludwig (Meryl); and her six great-grandchildren: David Cashio, Bion Cashio, Caroline Cashio, Meryl Ennis, Beckett Ludwig and Miles Ludwig.
Donna and her husband Jerry traveled the world by the Orient Express, the Concorde, elephants, camels, hot air balloons, private jets, cruise ships, outrigger canoes, whitewater rafts, helicopters, and dog sleds.
They surprised their family with an annual mystery Christmas trip. The destination was never known in advance.
Donna loved her time on the water including fishing, crabbing, swimming, snorkeling, and boating. She and her husband Jerry spent many happy hours at their beloved home on Ft. George Island.
She taught her daughters never learn how to fillet a fish, clean a bird, or dress game.
Donna enjoyed time with her friends, especially Mrs. Mann’s Wednesday Golf Group that met regularly for over 60 years. Later in life, she treasured playing bridge with family and friends.
Her GREATEST JOY was spending time with her husband, Jerry, and all her family.
There will be a grave side service at Evergreen Cemetery, Gate 5, at 2:30pm on Saturday, November 20, 2021. Reception to follow at the Florida Yacht Club. Memorials may be given to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 4129 Oxford Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32210; The Eye Research Foundation, 4569 Huntington Road, Jacksonville, FL 32210; The Douglas Anderson Foundation, 1478 Riverplace Blvd. #1606, Jacksonville, FL 32217; The National Society of Colonial Dames of America in the State of Florida (NCSDA-FL), 4114 Herschel St. Suite 109, Jacksonville, FL 32210; or the charity of your choice.
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Jerry (and family), Holly and I send our sincerest condolences to all. May God’s peace be with all of the family.
Donna sounds like an irreplaceable matriarch with an amazing sense of adventure. Condolences to the family for their loss.
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