Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Corbin Colonial Funeral Home Chapel, Ltd.

5345 West Madison Street

Chicago, Illinois

Donna Felton Obituary

Felton, Hon. Donna Lee Phelps Cook County Circuit Court Judge, was born on August 14, 1945 in Chicago, Illinois and passed away on January 13, 2012. She was the younger of two children (Kenneth W. Phelps, brother) born to Julius and Dora Phelps, all who preceded Donna in death. She graduated from Carver High School in June 1963. Following her graduation, Donna worked as an accounting assistant at Commonwealth Edison until 1965. Donna was a stunningly beautiful woman. So much so that she captured the heart of Booker Thomas Felton, whom she married on August 17, 1963. During their 23 year union, Donna was blessed by the births of three children: Sharyn Denise, Lesa Renee, and Derek Anthony. Donna encouraged her children to pursue higher education, so much so that she returned to school. She received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Illinois in 1980. A champion for justice, Donna graduated from Loyola University School of Law in 1983. Donna began her legal career as an assistant Cook County state's attorney. In 1996, she became an administrative law judge for the Illinois Dept. of Public Aid. She subsequently became a hearing officer for the Cook County Labor Relations Dept., a post she held immediately prior to being elected a judge. In November 2000, Donna Phelps Felton was elected to serve as a judge in the Circuit Court of Cook County. She served the 3rd Municipal District in Rolling Meadow from 2001 until her death. Donna was the first African American judge to be assigned to the district since the Circuit Court became a unified system in 1964. Donna was very active in the political process and worked very hard to get Mayor Harold Washington and Congressman Danny Davis into office. She was a major contributor to President Barak Obama's campaign. Donna accepted Christ as her personal Lord and Savior at a young age. She was baptized at Greater Harvest Baptist Church in Chicago, by the later Rev. Louis Boddie. Donna's Christian formation was further developed at the Canaan AME Church in Maywood, IL . She later joined the Concord Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of her nephew, Rev. Kenneth D. Phelps. Donna was an active and faithful member of Concord Missionary Baptist Church until her death. Her passion for Christ sparked her gift of giving. Donna fervently supported The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and the Susan G. Komen for the Cure with her time, talent and treasures. Donna is survived by her three children Sharyn Denise, Lesa Renee, and Derek Anthony; her nephew and pastor Rev. Kenneth David Phelps (Veneeta), niece Tasha Merritt (Kenney Currie), great niece (Morgan Breanna), two great nephews (Kenneth David and David Kenneth). Additionally, Donna will be missed by a host of other relatives and friends. Donna touched the lives of many people with her infectious laugh and generosity. The funeral arrangements for Judge Donna Phelps Felton are as follows: Friday morning, January 20, 2012, Concord Missionary Baptist Church, 6319 S. Kimbark Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637. (773) 363-1377. Wake - 10 am - 11 am. Funeral - 11 am - Noon. Burial will be at Oak Ridge Cemetery - 4301 Roosevelt Rd., Hillside, IL. She will lay in state at the Corbin Funeral Home - 5345 W. Madison St. Chicago, IL from 3 pm - 7 pm on Thursday, January 19, 2012. The Concord Missionary Baptist Church was near and dear to Donna's heart. In Lieu of flowers the family is requesting that you make a donation to the Church. Memorial donations can also be made in Donna's Memory. Send donations to: Concord MB Church, 6319 So. Kimbark Ave., Chicago, IL 60637. Make checks payable to: Concord MB Church. Please write in memory of Judge Donna Phelps Felton. Contributions can also be made online @ www.concordmbchurch.org. Go to the donation button to make your donation online. Note: The Concord MB Church is a non-for profit 501c3 organization in good standings with the IRS. The CMBC is fully funded and supported by the contributions and generosity of its members and loyal supporters. All donations are 100 % tax deductible. Corbin Colonial Funeral Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Jan. 18, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Donna Felton

Not sure what to say?





Brenda Griffin Greene

January 12, 2025

Donna another year and it seems like yesterday my dear friend I miss you so much your class your beauty your smile only you possess that you will forever be in my heart. Miss you, friend.

Brenda Griffin-Greene

January 12, 2024

Donna will forever miss you in my heart and think about you each and every day but I know that you´re in a place where there is no pain no confusion it´s just happiness and treasures of gold. I miss you dear friend.

Brian L.

October 10, 2012

I worked with Donna briefly one summer when I was a clerk in the State's Attorney's office. She was a very nice lady with a kind heart. She always spoke very lovingly of her children. I am sorry to hear of her passing. May she rest in eternal peace.

James & Vivian Robinson

January 26, 2012

Know that we are praying for your family as you seek God's strength and guidance as you deal with the loss of your mother.
Much love to you.

Less Felton

January 23, 2012

If only this candle could bring you back.

Lesa Renee Felton

January 23, 2012

Mom,

I'm still having a hard time dealing with your loss. I look in the mirror and you're looking back at me. I talk, yet it's your voice that I hear. I wasn't prepared to deal with the pain of this loss. Yet, I rejoice in knowing that you are no longer in pain, will never endure illness, and will be eternally beautiful. It doesn't stop the tears, just takes a bit of the sting away. Rest well, Diva!! I'll holla at cha later!

Aunt Donna and Kenneth

Donna PHelps Felton

January 21, 2012

Aunt Donna

Donna PHelps Felton

January 21, 2012

Brenda

January 21, 2012

May God Bless and keep you (Lesa, Sharyn, and Derek) in his loving arms. God has surely chosen one of the most beautiful flowers for his garden of angels.

Larry Williams

January 21, 2012

I don't have the words but my heart feels very sad just now.

George Wagner

January 21, 2012

To Judge Felton's family,
I prosecuted cases before Judge Felton. She was exceptional in every way and will be a tremendous loss to her profession, the community, her friends and family. Please accept my condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Connie (Smith) McKennie

January 21, 2012

I extend my deepest condolence. God Bless.

Janice Stone

January 21, 2012

I never knew you personally but everyone I know who knew you spoke so highly of you as a professional and as a friend. The earth has lost a gem but heaven has gained an angel. My condolences to the family.

John Dahlberg

January 19, 2012

To the Felton Family:

I would like to extend my sympathies to each of you. Judge Felton was exceptionally fair and thorough, and I had nothing but the utmost repsect for her as a judge and a person. I will keep your mom and each of you in my thoughts and prayers in the days and weeks ahead.

Some of the pictures we at Claude Thomas Salon and Spa have of our favorite customer and friend

Claudia Tapp

January 19, 2012

Dana McGregor

January 19, 2012

Sharyn,
My heart goes out to you and your family. I am truly saddened by your loss. Hang on to the memories to fill the void. Let me know if there is anything I can do for you.

With deepest sympathy,

Teresa Patrick

January 19, 2012

Sharyn, you are in my prayers and God will give you strength during your time of grief. Your mom is now with the Lord and resting in peace. It was so nice of her to prepare my power of attorney for me a few months ago, she was such a kind spirit. You have so much of her in you and that's something to be proud of. You will carry on her legacy of greatness.

Teresa Patrick

January 19, 2012

Sharyn, you are in my prayers and I know that God will give you strength during your time of grief. I'm very happy I had an opportunity to speak with your mom a few months ago she was truly a kind spirit. You have so much of her in you and that's something to be proud of. She is now with Lord and resting in Peace. You will carry on her legacy.

Kendra Pitts and Family

January 19, 2012

Sharyn, you are in our prayers and my heart goes out to you and your family during this difficult time. Just know that you have an angel looking after you.

Michelle Jackson-Marbley

January 19, 2012

How i remember days of popcorn and pizza when i used to babysit for the Feltons, she would never let me call her Mrs Felton, she insisted i call her Donna, and she always had a infectious laugh and smile as she prepared to go out for the evening. I loved to watch her get ready she was always so happy. Thru the years she always had good info and sound judgement to inpart on you whatever the situation, there is no wonder her children have grownup to make her so proud to be their mother. She will truely be missed, and always loved and remembered. Thank you for all the love,caring and sharing you showed in your life time. And thanks for the memories and beautiful children you left to carry on your good works.
To the family when you think she is not watching and listening just stop for a minute and close your eyes and you will feel her love all around you.

Anita Pyles-Venard

January 19, 2012

Lesa, My heart goes out to you. No one cam imagine the pain you feel. I read your Mom's celebration of life. It was beautiful!
The apple did not fall far from the tree old classmate. You have the power to keep your Mom's spirit alive. Look at pictures and talk about her. Celebrate her! Trust me, I understand your pain. My Mom was My Mom and my friend. When she passed in 2009, I thought I would not ever get through the loss. I did. My faith and memories of my Mom, as well as feeling her around me, healed me. God bless you and your family.

JoAnna Robinson

January 19, 2012

To my dear friend, my heart is hurting and mourning the loss of your mom. She was a beautiful person love to hear her laugh and how uplifting she was I remember our childhood when I visited and how we had so much fun together. She will be missed but never forgotten. I pray for strength and healing for you and your siblings. A mothers love is irreplaceable but I know the bond you had not only with your mom but you siblings remain close and I will keep you lifted in prayer be strong and stay encouraged. Love Ya
JoAnna L. Robinson and family (Buford, Ga and Maywood,Il.)

January 18, 2012

Derek,
I often told your mom that she was the most famous person that I knew. I was so very proud of her and her accomplishments. I will never forget the day that she was sworn in as judge, I took off of work to be there and on her first day as a judge in court. I cried through both, I was so, so very proud and so happy for her.
When ever I spoke to my students about their future aspirations, I always mentioned the fact that I had a friend who was a real judge, who took the time and dedication to make a success of the professional life.
Many years ago, I spoke to Donna about my son, who at the time was making some negative decisions that would surely have a devastating effect on his future.
Your mom came to my house and had, at the time, probably the most important, life changing conversation with my son, and to this day, I am so very grateful.
I want to express my sincere and heart felt empathy with you and your sisters. Your mom was a great lady, way too funny and very direct. That is what I really liked about Donna, she was smart, way too funny and very direct. Vivian C. Ingersol (Chicago, IL) Albuquerque, NM

Sharon Denise Thompson

January 18, 2012

A true angel who surely will be missed. We love you Ms. Felton!

January 18, 2012

Lesa and family, please know that you are indeed in my prayers. Please let us know wahat we can do for you during this very trying time. With all our love, Rosie Allen-Herring and family

Judith Moore-Watts

January 18, 2012

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

January 18, 2012

Lesa ~ my heart felt prayers go out to you and the family during these trying times. May God's Favor and Mercies continue to encompass you. Michael Dawson (Lisle, IL)

January 18, 2012

The rich legacy that Judge Felton left in the earth is truly reflected the lives and hearts of her children: Sharyn, Lesa and Derek.

Continue shining and sharing that light with the world. It will forever honor her memory.
Darnell & Shalita Williams (Chicago, IL)

January 18, 2012

Sharyn, Lesa, Derek. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and the family. Remember the beautiful smile and laughs mom gave us all. Al & Kendra Jackson (Maryland)

January 18, 2012

Praying for the family !!! Remember, Earth has no sorrow that Heaven can not heal. God will take care of you!!!! Celebrate the precious moments!!!! Take care of and appreciate one another. Doris Stubbs Martin (Chicago, IL)

January 18, 2012

As my neighbor 30 yrs +. Kids grew still friends. Donna was always helpful tell you where to go and what to do. Love to hear her laugh. Love 2 all. Keep your eyes on Jesus
Bennie and Evelyn of Birmingham

Gladys England

January 18, 2012

•Your mom was a beautiful person, inside and out, and she will be relentless and uncompromisingly missed.
•My deepest sympathy on the loss of your mother and praying that your faith will give you strength in these testing times.
•Your mom was a very special lady and loved by everyone who knew her. Please know that we share in your grief and extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family.

nadine davis

January 18, 2012

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Cassandra Young

January 18, 2012

Lesa, Sharyn, & Derek: Look to the hills from which your strength cometh! May God keep you strong in your faith & joyous in the glorious life of your mother. She will be with you in your hearts always.

Love,

Angela Pugh-Cobb

January 18, 2012

Lesa, continue to celebrate your mother for the wonderful person she was. The time you had with her and the special moments you shared will never be forgotten. Be blessed and continue to prosper.

dionne felton

January 18, 2012

hey auntie..even though we weren't that close it still hurts my heart tht you havr left us..rip auntie,love you

Paula Taplin-Morris

January 18, 2012

Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, May looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow

Cindy Garrett

January 18, 2012

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Showing 1 - 38 of 38 results

Make a Donation
in Donna Felton's name

Memorial Events
for Donna Felton

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Corbin Colonial Funeral Home Chapel, Ltd.

5345 West Madison Street, Chicago, IL 60644

How to support Donna's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Donna Felton's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more