Donna “Dawn” Woods, age 82, of Springfield, passed away on Wednesday, April 1^st, 2026 in her home. Dawn was born to Don Wilkinson and Gayle Moody on March 14, 1944, in Berryville, Ar. She was raised in Springfield and graduated from Central High School. Dawn was united in marriage to Ron Woods on December 18, 2004, in Willard, Mo. Ron and Dawn shared 22 years of marriage before Dawn’s untimely passing on April 1^st. The couple had a combined family with four children: Valerie Cooper, Sheri Carson, Brice Woods, and Brock Woods.

Dawn has been retired for many years. She had many interests and pastimes including attending street rod shows, drag racing, watching all motor sports, riding Harleys with Ron, and spending time with family and friends. Nothing however, brought Her more fulfillment than her love for her Native American Indian Heritage, she loved attending and participating in the pow wows. She made beautiful beadwork and clothing that she proudly wore.

Dawn was preceded in death by her mother and father, Don and Gayle Wilkinson, Her Brother, Larry Wilkinson, and Her daughter, Cinnamon Yarbrough. She is survived by husband, Ron Woods, daughters Valerie Cooper and Sheri Carson, sons Brice Woods and Brock Woods, and many grandchildren and many great grandchildren.

A visitation for Dawn will be held on Friday, April 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., with the funeral to follow at 11:00 a.m., and burial to in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens in Springfield, Mo.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in Dawn Woods memory to The Native American Tribal Council and Cherokee Nation foundations.

Cherokee Nation Foundation Home | NCAI