Donna Milligan Cline

The family of Donna Milligan Cline are deeply saddened to announce her passing on August 20, 2023. Donna began her life as a world traveler, being born in Zaragoza, Spain on October 27, 1963. She lived in Thailand, Japan, and numerous places throughout the states before finally settling with her family in Kathleen, Georgia, where she lived for most of her childhood. She attended Westfield Academy in Perry, Georgia for high school, where she graduated in 1981. Donna then attended Georgia Southern University, where she graduated in the Spring of 1987 with a B.A. in Fashion Merchandising. She then moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where she worked for Lord & Taylor, and later for multiple real estate companies as an administrative assistant.   

It was in Atlanta where Donna met the love of her life, Robert Gene Cline. She reported to her children that their very first date was August 15, 1990, and that they both knew instantly that they had met their soulmate and would spend the rest of their lives together. Donna and Robert were married on October 3, 1992, and were blissfully married for over thirty years at the time of her death. In 1996, Robert and Donna had their first daughter, Emma Grace, and they had their second daughter, Mara Eva, in 2005.

Donna was an amazing mother to her two daughters and devoted her life to both of them and to her husband. It was while raising her daughters that Donna developed a passion for the performing arts, and she spent enumerable hours and days supporting and watching both her daughters at dance recitals, pageants, and theater. Never satisfied to simply sit on the sidelines, Donna actively supported the organizations in which her daughters participated, including most recently the Miss Georgia Volunteer Program, which she supported from its inception. Donna truly had a servant’s heart, and everything she touched was the better for it. She leaves behind an amazing legacy of service and kindness, and her warm smile and gracious demeanor will be sorely missed by her family and her friends in the community.     

Donna was preceded in her death by her father, Tillman U. Milligan. She is survived by her beloved husband of 30 years, Robert Gene Cline, her two daughters, Emma Grace Turnipseed (Boyd) of Henderson, Nevada, and Mara Eva Cline, and her beautiful new granddaughter, Tillman (“Tilly”) Rose Turnipseed, who was born on July 7, 2023. She is survived by her mother, Ethel Marie Milligan, of Kathleen, Georgia, and her two brothers, James David Milligan of Kathleen, Georgia and John Alan Milligan (Sheryl) of Colleyville, Texas, and her brother-in-law, Calvin Cline (Marianne) of Arlington, Texas. 

Visitation will be held at Flanigan Funeral Home in Buford, Georgia at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 26^th.  The funeral will take place at Buford First Baptist at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 27^th, with a livestream to be provided for her family and friends who cannot make the service. Pallbearers will be Calvin Cline, Colton Cline, James Milligan, John Milligan, Sr., John Milligan, Jr., and Pierson Milligan. The graveside service will follow the funeral service at Broadlawn Memorial Gardens.

Donna left this earth doing what she loved most—being with and caring for her children. Earlier this month, she and Robert travelled to Las Vegas to see their new granddaughter, and she was able to be with her daughter Mara Eva on “Bid Day” at the University of Alabama. Her family and friends deeply grieve her sudden loss. But Donna loved her Lord and Savior, and her family and friends take comfort knowing that she is with Him in Paradise, and that they will see her again.

 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Buford Performing Arts at Buford High School, 2455 Buford Hwy, Buford, GA 30518 in memory of Donna Cline

For electronic donations please follow this link https://checkout.square.site/merchant/8phpzrppag8c0/checkout/57ldtfkjqbwaitr5lfbog4v7

To express condolences, please sign our online guest book at www.flaniganfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements By: Junior E. Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA (770) 932-1133.