Donna Rankin

Born in Knoxville, TN and raised in LaFollette, TN. Donna recalls; Throughout her life the family homestead in LaFollette was the gathering spot for holidays, weddings, reunions and many other special occasions. Their home was the gathering place for friends and community due to her Mom’s fried chicken, fried apple pies, flat jacks, pastries and love for cooking. Donna’s parents created a warm, safe and welcoming home filled with many wonderful memories. They were also blessed with five acres housing a playhouse, barn and numerous pets; including: dogs, horses, cows and rabbits. Donna will forever be grateful to her parents, family and homestead. She was so blessed to have had such a rich heritage and to have lived the American  childhood dream  of every boy and girl.

Donna is the mother of one daughter and the grandmother of three grandsons, and currently resides in East Ridge, TN. She has spent her life serving others. Donna served as a federal probation officer for 25 years. Her career began in LA in 1988, and then she was transferred to Chattanooga in 1992. Prior to that she worked with Dallas County Probation after working at Dallas County Youth Village in Dallas, TX and Duval House (a halfway house for Juvenile delinquents) in Jacksonville, FL.