Donna Jean Whitfield

Donna Rippy Whitfield, age 68, of Vancleave, Mississippi, passed away on May 8, 2025, in Gulfport, Mississippi. Born on August 30, 1956, in Gulfport, Donna was a lifelong native of the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Donna was preceded in death by her father, Irvin Rippy Sr.; her mother, Rebecca May Rippy; and her sister, Helen Ann Bryant (Fred).

She is survived by her devoted husband of 51 years, Larry Whitfield, of Vancleave, MS; her sons, Dr. Chuck Whitfield (Marcy) of Hanahan, SC, and Dr. Clint Whitfield (Elise) of Lynn Haven, FL; and her beloved rescue dog, Little Girl. Donna also leaves behind her brother, Irvin Rippy Jr. (Barbara) of Gulfport, MS; her grandchildren, Avery Whitfield and Brady Whitfield of Lynn Haven, FL; her granddogs, Satchmo and Hitch Whitfield of Hanahan, SC; her nieces, Natalie Whitfield Schmidt (Perry) of Long Beach, MS, Sherilyn Whitfield Oakes (Barry) of Gulfport, MS; and Miolly (Charlie) of Kiln, MS; and her nephew, Randy Whitfield of Long Beach, MS, JD Rippy (Jodee) of Gulfport, MS, Brian Rippy (Tracey) of of Spanish Fort, AL, and Freddy Bryant of Gulfport, MS.

A graduate of Harrison Central High School in 1974, Donna married Larry Whitfield and together they raised their family in Long Beach, MS, before relocating to Vancleave, where they spent the last 23 years.

Donna dedicated over 40 years of service as an administrative assistant at CPC Sandhill, Gulfport Memorial Behavioral Hospital, and Gulfport Behavioral Hospital, retiring in March 2025.

Her greatest joys were watching her sons grow into young men, supporting them in sports, traveling, taking trips in her Jeep “Blue Moon,” riding with Larry on the Harley, and savoring the wind and scenery. She cherished time spent with her grandchildren, watching them compete in sports, and simply enjoying life’s moments.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Allison Wall and her oncology team for their compassionate care during Donna’s journey with cancer. Special gratitude is also given to Natalie, a dear friend with whom Donna shared a unique and loving bond.

Donna’s strength, resilience, and unwavering love for her family will be forever remembered. She will continue to watch over her loved ones, and her family looks forward to being reunited with her one day.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org/donate) in Donna’s memory.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, May 13, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM at Riemann Family Funeral Home in Gulfport, with a service at 7:00 PM.