DONNA ELAINE AKE AUSTIN, 63, of Cowan, Tenn., departed this life on Sunday September 27, 2026, losing her brief battle with cancer at Alive Hospice in Murfreesboro.  Donna was born in Winchester, Tenn., to the late Johnny Clinton Ake and Laura Jean Garner Ake. Donna lived her life with a simple purpose: to love, care for, and make sure the people around her were ok. A devoted wife, mother, and Nonna, she spent much of her life caring for others as a nurse and caregiver. She had a rare gift for making people feel safe, heard, valued, and loved. Her coworkers and the residents she cared for became family to her, and she poured the same compassion into her work that she did into every part of her life.

Donna was a deeply faithful Christian who trusted God through every season of life. Her faith was her foundation, especially during the most difficult moments, including her battle with cancer. She faced life with strength, grace, and an unwavering trust in God.

Her greatest blessing was her grandson, Bentley Hayes, who was truly the light of her life. He brought her immeasurable joy and a renewed sense of purpose, especially following the loss of her beloved husband. Some of her happiest moments were spent making memories with Bentley—enjoying the outdoors, watching cooking shows, and simply being together.

Donna was beautiful inside and out, incredibly smart, hardworking, loyal, and supportive. She was the person you could always count on, the best listener, a cherished friend, a devoted wife, and an extraordinary mother. Even while facing illness, she continued to put others before herself. Her greatest accomplishment was not found in a title or a career, but in the countless lives she touched with her kindness, compassion, and love.

Donna's greatest wish was simple: that her people were loved and well. She spent her life making sure they were—and she will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of being hers.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Hayes Clark Austin and a brother, David Ake.

She is survived by her daughters; Jennifer Austin and Ashlee Austin, grandson, Bentley Austin all of Cowan. Brother Darrell (Kathy) Ake of Georgia, niece, Carly (William) Elliott of Nashville, Tenn., nephew, Brandon (Leah) Ake of Georgia, and great-nieces and great-nephews.

Services will be conducted at 2:00 P.M. on Thursday, October 1, 2026, in the Chapel of Grant Funeral Services with Bro. Alan Adams, officiating.

Visitation will be held from 12:00 Noon until service time at 2:00 Thursday.

Interment will follow in the Cowan Montgomery Cemetery where she will be laid to rest beside her beloved Hayes.

In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made by contacting Grant Funeral Services, LLC.