Donna Louise Allen Atkinson

Rev. Donna Louise Allen Atkinson passed away peacefully on Jan. 27, 2026. Donna was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. At a young age, she moved with her family to Appleton, Wisconsin. Her undergraduate degree was from Lawrence College. In 1967, Donna served as a Deaconess in the United Church of Canada graduating from Emmanuel College, Toronto, Ontario. In 1971, she graduated from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago with a Masters of Divinity degree.

Rev. Donna met Rev. Donald Atkinson at Camp Robertson, Gimli, Manitoba and they were united in marriage in 1969 in Scarsdale, New York.

Rev. Donna was a pioneering figure in the United Methodist Church, known for her remarkable contributions to advancing women’s leadership within the denomination. Her influence was felt throughout the church, particularly in the Northern Illinois Conference, where she became one of the first women District Superintendents. She broke new ground not only through her administrative leadership but also through her active participation in church governance and commitment to social justice for all.

In 1980, she made history as one of the first clergywomen to be elected to the General Conference. Her commitment to inclusion and progress was further demonstrated that same year when she played a significant role in the election of the first woman Bishop in the United Methodist Church and Christendom. Her dedication to supporting women in ministry was evident in her involvement with landmark events, including her presence at the first irregular ordination of women priests in the Episcopal church. She was a founding member of the Ecumenical Women’s Center in Chicago that created liturgy and music and affirmations for women in the church.

Her influence extended to support for the Asian, African American and Latino pastors and congregations under her leadership and nationally. She worked tirelessly for peace and the rights of all in racial justice concerns, women’s rights, immigrant rights, economic concerns and to open the church and society to LGBTQIA+ persons to be regarded with sacred worth.

She was ordained an elder in the United Methodist Church in the Northern IL Conference in 1975. She served Grace UMC, Blue Island and Academy UMC, Harvey in the 1970’s. In the 1980’s she pastored First UMC Church in Chicago Heights, IL, and in 1985 served as District Superintendent of the Northern District of the Northern IL Conference, serving as Dean of the Cabinet during this time. She retired from her final charge at Bethany UMC in Highland Park, but never really retired from ministry serving on the Board of Justice for Our Neighbors, an immigrant rights group, as well as other involvements including at First UMC in Waukegan, IL.

Rev. Donna was a foster mom, and became a mother to Brittany, and not only cared for her daughter but serving on the ChildServ Board (now Kids Above All) brought hope to many children and families in the Chicago area, and served young people in her role as Deaconess in Canada, as well.

She is survived by her daughter Brittany Williams (Asher),Waukegan, IL; Step daughters Ruth Atkinson (Emma and Dashiell Horowitz), Los Angeles, CA, Wendy Atkinson (David Lester), Vancouver, BC; sister Sherry Ripak (son Daniel, Crystallee, William), Winnipeg, MB and brother Frederick Allen (Sandy, Alexandra, Benjamin, Emily, Emory, Lily), Winnipeg, MB – Christian Allen (Midori, Sebastian), Corpus Christi, TX.

Rev. Donna was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Donald Atkinson, parents Ruby and Fred Allen, and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at First United Methodist Church, 128 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Waukegan, IL, 11:00 a.m. (reception to follow). In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch Foundation Inc., Cunningham Children’s Home or Northern Illinois Justice for our Neighbors.

Topic: Donna Atkinson Memorial

Time: Apr 18, 2026 11:00 AM Central Time (US and Canada)

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