Donna Marie Pinkston was born on June 6, 1945, in Cleveland, Ohio to the late Theodore and Julia Antasek. She graduated from Temple City High School in 1963, and obtained her CDL license in 1984, then later went on to complete college courses at MTI college in California in 1999. She began a career as long-haul truck driver, at a time when women seldomly pursued such a career.
She married the late James Pinkston in 1988. Together they built a successful owner-operator trucking business until his death in 1990.
Donna was an avid fisherman and is fondly remembered in Gulfport as "The Queen of the Pier." She once caught an alligator gar that was over 7ft long, which broke local records. She also enjoyed woodworking, crafting, gardening, and home improvement. She is also known for her kindness, her ability to get a good deal, and love for her family.
She leaves to cherish her wonderful memories, her devoted and loving daughter, Laurel Machlowski; grandsons, Theodore and Ryan; great-grandson, Bodhi; her brother, Ron and sister-in-law Diane; many nieces, nephews, and a host of relatives and friends.
A private memorial service will be held in her honor.