Donna McGowan of Canton, Georgia, died at home on Saturday, September 5, 2026. Donna was born on September 25, 1957, to Pink and Kathryn Swink, the third of five children. From an early age, she displayed a remarkable gift for music, particularly the piano. She earned a degree in music from Georgia College in Milledgeville, where she met the love of her life, David “Russ” McGowan. A talented trumpet player, Russ captured Donna’s heart the moment she heard him play, and together they would make music for decades- nearly fifty years.

Donna devoted more than 30 years to teaching elementary school music. She believed in the importance of music in a child’s development and how music could expand one’s understanding of the world. She touched the lives of countless students throughout her career. 

Donna was also a beloved member of First Baptist Church of Canton, where she generously shared her extraordinary musical talents. She served for decades as the church’s pianist and organist, accompanying choirs, instrumentalists, worship services, and countless special occasions. She played for weddings, funerals, and other community events. 

After retiring, Donna continued to substitute teach and enjoyed walking with Russ and Noey. She traveled throughout Europe and spent significant time in Italy with her daughter Vivian, her son-in-law Dan, and her grandchildren, Noel Alexander and Ivy.   Becoming a grandmother was one of the great joys of Donna’s life. She cherished being Mimi and relished every moment she spent with her grandchildren.

Donna loved to entertain, and her home was a gathering place for holidays, birthdays, and cookouts. She fiercely loved her family and was deeply protective of them. She was the glue that held all the pieces together.

Donna leaves behind a legacy of music, teaching, friendship, family, and love. Her music, her compassion, her devotion to those she loved, and the countless memories she created will continue to live on in all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Donna is survived by her devoted husband, David “Russ” McGowan; her children, Vivian (Dan) and Noel; her brothers, Carroll (Gloria), Allen, and Barry; and her grandchildren, Noel Alexander and Ivy. She was preceded in death by her parents, Pink and Kathryn Swink, and her sister, Nancy Swink.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 11:00 AM in the Chapel of South Canton Funeral Home with Rev. Nathan Brandon officiating.  

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM at the South Canton Funeral Home.

South Canton Funeral Home, dedicated to the families we serve, 770-479-3377. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.thescfh.com