Donna Belle Hockensmith

Donna Belle Hockensmith of Warren passed away on Sunday, February 11, 2024, at 7:40 p.m. in Shepherd of the Valley – Howland. She was 78 years old. Donna left her mortal flesh that was ravaged with pancreatic cancer and met her Savior face to face. She entered into His gates with thanksgiving and entered his courts with praise (Psalm 100:4).

She was born in Rome, NY, on January 23, 1946, the daughter of the late George and Leona Belle Greene Taylor. After graduating high school from Rome Free Academy, she married the love of her life, Richard Hockensmith, on February 23, 1964, and raised 3 beautiful children together. After her children were raised and the youngest was in college, Richard and Donna became foster parents for Trumbull County Children’s Services for 30 years, where they cared for up to 150 different children over their years.

In 1967, Donna surrendered her whole heart to Jesus and took him as her Lord and Savior for the rest of her life. Donna and Richard raised their family at Christ Memorial Baptist Church, and during that time, Donna was involved in teaching Sunday School, Children’s Church, vacation bible school at Lincoln and Garfield Schools. She was an active member at the leadership in Ladies Missionary Society, ladies’ banquet and retreats, and active in the church choir. Mrs. Hockensmith was also the church secretary and treasurer for many years. Currently, Donna and her husband have been attending Bazetta Baptist Church where she assisted in their vacation bible studies and was the secretary and treasurer for Sunshine Seniors and the church missionary fund. The joy of her life was serving the Lord.

Earlier in life, Donna was a licensed beautician and worked in various doctors’ offices in medical administration. She owned and operated Avenues of Praise Christian Bookstore and Gift Shop. III John vs 4: "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth." She is survived by her 3 children, Richard Lee (Shelley) Hockensmith Jr. of Niles, Derricka Belle (Eric) Hawout of Niles, and Dustin Wray Hockensmith of Warren. 3 grandchildren, Macey and Micah Hawout, and Richmond Hockensmith; 2 sisters JoAnn LeMasters and Janice (Steve) Akras both of New Jersey. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Donna was preceded in death by 2 brothers Lawrence Taylor and Robert Taylor.

When Donna learned that her life was drawing to an end, she told the Lord that he had blessed her all her life far more than she ever would have dreamed or imagined and far more than she deserved. Not because she deserved it but because of His love and mercy. With all her lifelong blessings she could not ask for one more thing. He walked with her through all of life’s challenges, struggles, hardships, and mistakes and yet still blessed her all along the way.

Friends and family may view the obituary and send condolences by visiting www.NicholasFuneralHome.com. Calling hours will be on Friday, February 16, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Wm Nicholas Funeral Home & Cremation Services 614 Warren Ave. Niles, OH 44446. A funeral service will be held on Friday, February 16, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. in the funeral home. Arrangements are entrusted to the Wm Nicholas Funeral Home and Cremation Services 614 Warren Ave. Niles, OH 44446.