Donna Jane McMullan

Heaven gained a one-of-a-kind angel Monday, when Donna Jane McMullan, of Norman, passed away at Norman Regional Hospital. She was 73 years old. A visitation and celebration of her life will be held at Havenbrook Funeral Home in Norman, Thursday, July 23, 2020. The visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. followed by the celebration of life service at 10:00 a.m., with the Reverend Ryan Allen Redwine officiating.  Interment will follow at Norman I.O.O.F. Cemetery.

Mrs. McMullan was born December 18, 1946 in Tulsa to Davis Noble Barnes and Jane Ellen Austin Barnes and later adopted by her mother’s second husband, Orlando Karl PanKratz.

She graduated from Central High School in Tulsa in 1965, attended the University of Oklahoma in Norman and fell in love with OU baseball player, Donald Frank (Don) McMullan.  They were married August 26, 1967 in Tulsa and then returned to Norman to resume their studies.  They lived in New Jersey from 1970-1972, when Mr. McMullan accepted a job with Bankers Trust Company in New York City.  They returned to Norman permanently in 1972.

Mrs. McMullan was first and foremost a follower of Jesus Christ. She was also a wife, mother of four children, proud grandmother, community volunteer, former Special Correspondent and Weekly Columnist for The Oklahoman Newspaper in Oklahoma City and a Cleveland County Elections Substitute Precinct Judge.

Mrs. McMullan’s memberships included P.E.O. Chapter AU, Junior League of Norman, Inc., Assistance League of Norman, Inc., Norman Garden Club and Alpha Gamma Delta Alumni Club.  She served on the first Steering Committee for the “Volunteer of the Year” awards co-sponsored by United Way of Norman and Junior League of Norman, co-produced the local Cable Television Show “Cancer Facts” for the American Cancer Society, helped judge The Chocolate Festival for the Firehouse Art Center, was a member of the Women’s Round Table of Norman, Chairman and Master of Ceremonies for the “Norman Teacher of the Year” Reception and served as a “big sister” for four little sisters through the Norman Chapter of Big Sisters of Oklahoma.

Also, Mrs. McMullan was a former President of the Board of Directors for the Cleveland County Christmas Store, former President of the Board of Directors for Meals on Wheels of Norman Inc., former President of the Norman Women’s Club, former President and Outstanding Club Woman for the Norman Junior Women’s Club, former President of P.E.O. Chapter FB, Alumni Club Vice-President and former OU Undergraduate Advisor for Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority, former Secretary for the Norman P.E.O. Reciprocity Council, former District Chairman for the Oklahoma State Federation of Women’s Clubs, former Board of Directors and Sustainer Advisor for Junior League of Norman, elected to the Membership Committee for Assistance League of Norman Inc. and served on the Board of Directors for the Norman Athletic Association, Norman Chapter of Big Sisters of Oklahoma, the Arthritis Foundation, the Norman Ballet Company, the Red Stocking Follies sponsored by the Norman Regional Hospital Auxiliary and various PTA Boards for the Norman Public Schools.

Mrs. McMullan loved her kids and their friends, making her home a popular hangout for many decades. She loved unconditionally and wanted the absolute best for her family. She sacrificed countless times, so her kids could have opportunities that she never had. She was a devoted wife of more than 52 years to her soulmate, Don. She was there to take care of him after he survived the Oklahoma City Bombing and then again after multiple heart attacks. She was famous for her hugs, waving goodbye to everyone who left the house and delicious homemade cookies. She was the most positive person you would ever meet. She looked at the good in people and could always see potential. She wanted the best for people, even when they didn’t. She would often offer encouragement with her famous, “can I make a suggestion” because she always wanted people to have a better opportunity. She loved animals and they loved her. She loved to spoil her children and grandkids, whenever she could. She loved the holidays and wanted to make them special each and every year. She loved the Oklahoma Sooners, Disney and writing.

Her passing leaves a void on so many, but her loving investment in so many people, means her legacy will live on forever.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Charles A. and Gem Austin. Her parents, Orlando Karl PanKratz and Jane Ellen Austin PanKratz.

Survivors include her husband, Don, of Norman; three sons, Brooks McMullan and his wife, Samantha of Norman; Brent McMullan and his wife Robin of Norman; and Brad McMullan and his wife Stephanie of Norman; one daughter, Alicia Norwood and her husband Mike of Argyle, Texas; her brother, Karl PanKratz of Tyler, Texas; one nephew, Jordan PanKratz and one niece, Lauren PanKratz both of Waco, Texas; and seven grandchildren including Jake Ryan McMullan (15), Halle Elizabeth Norwood (15), Rachel McMullan (15), Eric McMullan (13), Austin McMullan (11), Cooper McMullan (10), Ragan Michael McMullan (8) and various other relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Alzheimer’s Association in remembrance of her husband’s mother, aunt and grandmother or to Second Chance of Norman.