Donna Sue Wise

Donna Sue (Illman) Wise, of Johnson City, Tennessee, 82, passed away peacefully on November 13, 2024, at the Johnson City Medical Center. 

 She was born in Quincy, Illinois to the late Arthur and Gladys (Bolton) Illman.

 Sue earned a Bachelor’s degree from Lincoln Christian College in Lincoln, Illinois and a Master’s degree from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. 

 Sue lived a life of service to her family, church and community. She was a beloved wife, mother and grandmother. She loved children. She taught kindergarten for many years at McKinley Elementary School in Fairport Harbor, Ohio. An active member of the First Church of Christ in Painesville, Ohio, she taught the fifth and sixth grade Sunday school class for several decades. 

 After her retirement, she moved to Tennessee to be closer to her grandchildren. She was an active part of the Calling Group at Grandview Christian Church in Johnson City, Tennessee. She loved to cook-hosting meals at her home and taking meals to family and friends during difficult times. She also loved making and sending cards to her loved ones.

 Sue is survived by her husband of 58 years, James R. Wise; and their children Joseph (Karen) Wise of Johnson City, TN; Geoffrey (Krystina) Wise of Lee’s Summit, MO; and Elizabeth (Lee) Gilliam of Rolesville, NC; her grandchildren Thomas, David, and Katie Wise (TN), James and William Wise (MO) and Emily and John Gilliam (NC). She is also survived by her brother Dwain (Marilyn) Illman of Bloomington, IN and her husband’s sister Judith (Robert) Reinke of Medina, OH and many beloved nieces and nephews. 

 The family will receive friends at Grandview Christian Church, 300 University Parkway, Johnson City, Tennessee 37604, on Saturday, November 16, 2024, from 2:00pm-2:45pm. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 3:00pm, following the visitation at Grandview Christian Church with Dr. Aaron Wymer officiating. The service will also be livestreamed on the church’s YouTube channel,@GrandviewChristianChurch.

 In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grandview Christian Church or Family Promise of Greater Johnson City.

 The family would like to extend thanks to all those friends and neighbors who supported her during her cancer care. 

 Words of sympathy and condolences may be shared with the family via www.morrisbaker.com.

 Morris-Baker Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2001 E. Oakland Avenue Johnson City, Tennessee 37601, is honored to serve the family of Sue Wise. 423-282-1521.