Global Ministries is saddened to learn of the death of Donna Kaye Dudley.

Global Ministries is saddened to learn of the death of Donna Kaye Dudley.

Donna Kaye Gunther Dudley passed away peacefully on December 8, 2023, in Chicago, Illinois, after a long struggle with Parkinson’s Disease. Born to the late Martin Edward Gunther and Katherine Beatrice Joss Gunther on October 5, 1946, in Exeter, New Hampshire, Donna enriched every community she was a part of. She brought laughter and kindness into the world, and her absence will be deeply felt.

Donna graduated from Wheaton College in Illinois and Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, where she pursued her passions for religious study and community service. After an early career in nonprofits, including many years at the Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind, Donna found what became her professional home at BUILD, a nationally respected gang intervention, violence prevention, and youth development organization located on Chicago’s West Side.

From 2007 to 2009, she served as a missionary in Angola with Global Ministries. She worked alongside the Evangelical Congregational Church in Angola where she assisted with development projects and staff leadership training programs.

Information about a memorial service that will be held at BUILD in early 2024 will be forthcoming. BUILD is establishing “The Donna Dudley Scholarship Fund” in her honor. If you would like to make a tribute to Donna, give to BUILD, Inc. 5100 W. Harrison Street/Chicago, IL 60644 in her honor. All donations in Donna’s honor will go to the Scholarship Fund.

Donations can be made at https://www.buildchicago.org/