Donna Edith Smith Packer

Donna Edith Smith Packer, wife of the late President Boyd K. Packer (1924-2015), former President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, died on March 5, 2022. She passed peacefully in her home surrounded by family of causes incident to age at 94 years old.

Sister Packer was precious to her husband and honored by her children and will be remembered for her strong belief in the eternal nature of families and reverence for the priesthood. President Packer shared in a Conference talk: “When it comes to my wife, the mother of our children I am without words. The feeling is so deep and the gratitude so powerful that I am left almost without expression…I am grateful for each moment I am with her side by side and for the promise the Lord has given that there will be no end.”

Born October 20, 1927 in Brigham City Utah to William Waldamer Smith and Nellie Edith Jordan, Sister Packer was the only daughter and the oldest of four children. In her youth she developed a love of reading and a keen interest in family history, homemaking and music, playing the violin and piano. After graduating from Box Elder High School, Sister Packer attended and received an associate degree from Weber State College.

In 1947, Sister Packer attended a church gathering where a young Boyd Packer, was the guest speaker. She later commented that he made a striking impression on her. “I couldn’t say I knew he was the one,” she noted, “but I knew he was the kind of person I wanted to marry.” Boyd and Donna were married on July 28, 1947 in the Logan Temple and established their first home in Brigham City, Utah. They were blessed with ten children: seven sons and three daughters.

Sister Packer exhibited a lifelong dedication to family research. She had a great love for those who had gone before and wanted to preserve their heritage for those who are yet to come.

Sister Packer loved our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ. She served in many church capacities including the Primary, Young Women’s and Relief Society Organizations. A faithful support to her husband, she stood by President Packer throughout his many years of dedicated Church service as a General Authority.

Equally yoked, they supported each other in public and at home. She concentrated on the home and family. Because of her deep spiritual insights they counseled together. As the children grew older, she traveled frequently with her husband and she spoke to many church members throughout the world.

She is survived by ten children and spouses: Elder Allan F. (Terri) Packer, Kenneth W. (Bobby) Packer, David A. (Susan) Packer, Laurel (Carter L.) Dillman, Russell L. (Cathleen) Packer, Spencer G. (Pamela) Packer, Gayle (David L.) Kezerian, Kathleen (David J.) Bullock, Lawrence M. (Leslie) Packer, Eldon T. (Nancy) Packer, 58 grandchildren, 155 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, and her brother Glenn Alvin (Marilyn) Smith.

We are grateful to the many caregivers who served her.

Viewing: Sunday, March 13, 2022, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Forest Bend Ward on 7784 S. 2000 E. Cottonwood Heights, Utah 84121

Funeral Services: Monday, March 14, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at the Stake Center on 1535 Creek Road, Cottonwood Heights, Utah 84093 (Viewing prior to service at 10:00 a.m.)

Interment: Brigham City, Utah Cemetery at 2:00 p.m.

The streaming link can be found on the Larkin Mortuary Website.