Donna D. Sorensen
Born: 24 December 1904
Called as Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency: 1 January 1940
Released: 1942
Died: 4 June 1990
Called as Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency: 1 January 1940
Released: 1942
Died: 4 June 1990
Biographical Articles
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 4
Relief Society Magazine, June 1935, Donna Durrant Sorensen
Relief Society Magazine, January 1940, Donna Durrant Sorensen Second Counselor
Relief Society Magazine, December 1942, Donna D. Sorensen
Instructor, March 1961, Meet Your New Board Member - Donna Durrant Sorensen
Relief Society Magazine, June 1935, Donna Durrant Sorensen
Relief Society Magazine, January 1940, Donna Durrant Sorensen Second Counselor
Relief Society Magazine, December 1942, Donna D. Sorensen
Instructor, March 1961, Meet Your New Board Member - Donna Durrant Sorensen
Jenson, Andrew. "Sorensen, Donna Durrant." Biographical Encyclopedia. Volume 4. pg. 198.
SORENSEN, Donna Durant, a member of the General Board of Relief Society, was born Dec. 24, 1904. at Spanish Fork, Utah, a daughter of Lorenzo J. Durrant and Agnes P. Lewis. She entered the B. Y. U. Training School in the sixth grade and continued at this institution until she was graduated in 1927 with a B. S. degree. She taught English and speech at the American Fork High School for two years and filled a two years' mission to the Central States. She has served as teacher in Sunday School, Y. L. M. I. A. and Relief Society and was a member of the Wells Stake Relief Society Board, being social service class leader in that organization. On Oct. 10, 1929, she married Wesley A. Sorensen, a graduate of the Utah Agricultural College.
SORENSEN, Donna Durant, a member of the General Board of Relief Society, was born Dec. 24, 1904. at Spanish Fork, Utah, a daughter of Lorenzo J. Durrant and Agnes P. Lewis. She entered the B. Y. U. Training School in the sixth grade and continued at this institution until she was graduated in 1927 with a B. S. degree. She taught English and speech at the American Fork High School for two years and filled a two years' mission to the Central States. She has served as teacher in Sunday School, Y. L. M. I. A. and Relief Society and was a member of the Wells Stake Relief Society Board, being social service class leader in that organization. On Oct. 10, 1929, she married Wesley A. Sorensen, a graduate of the Utah Agricultural College.
Tanner, Marie H. "Donna Durrant Sorensen." Relief Society Magazine. June 1935. pg. 359-361.
Donna Durrant Sorensen
By Marie H. Tanner
DONNA DURRANT SORENSEN was born in Spanish Fork, Utah County, Utah, December 24, 1904. She is the daughter of Agnes Lewis of Spanish Fork and of the late Lorenzo J. Durrant of American Fork. Her grandparents on both sides were converts from the British Isles and crossed the plains shortly after the original pioneers.
She has ever complied with the fifth commandment: "Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee."
This love and loyalty to her parents is also expressed in the verse:
"If I could give you just one gift,
I'd try to make your dreams come true,
I'd see that my life was so spent
That I would be a monument, commemorating you."
When Donna was eight years old, her family moved to Thatcher, Idaho, engaging in the Creamery Business but when she was in the sixth grade, her father moved his family to Provo that they might have the educational advantages of a Church school.
Donna entered the sixth grade of the B. Y. University training school continuing until she graduated from the college in 1927.
SHE gave efficient service as a Sunday School teacher and was called to labor in the Central States Mission from June, 1924, until June, 1926. Sister Lottie T. Bennion, who was mission mother during this time, says : "Donna was a remarkably outstanding missionary. She has a pleasing personality, was a staunch student, was very spiritual and had a broad understanding of the Gospel. She could enter many homes where others failed. Sister Sorensen was especially kind and interested in the new missionaries and was very agreeable with all her companions. She labored around St. Louis and Kansas City and spent one year at the Independence office doing clerical work. She never missed an opportunity of bearing her testimony and with her musical ability, was a great help in the conference. She was a ray of sunshine in the mission home."
UPON her return from her mission, she taught English and speech in the American Fork High School for two years. While there, she worked in the Mutual Improvement Association teaching in the Bee Hive group. She has also taught the Gleaner and Senior Departments and was counselor to the President of the Y. W. M. I. A. of the Capitol Hill Ward. She served as secretary of the Utah State Returned Missionaries for three years. Part of her duty was to arrange for their Sunday appointments and to plan their programs.
Sister Sorensen was married to Wesley A. Sorensen in the Salt Lake Temple, October, 1929. Brother Sorensen is very solicitous in his anxiety to be of assistance to her. She has his faith and support in all her labors and perfect love and harmony exists in their home.
THE art of teaching is an inherent bent of her nature. She was the Theology class leader in the Jeffer son Ward during the winter of 1933 and '34. Her Relief Society President said: "Sister Sorensen inspired the Sisters to look their best and to come better prepared on that day than any other."
Sister Sorensen was called to be the Social Service Class Leader of the Wells Stake Relief Society in the summer of 1934. She felt this was a new line of work and in order to prepare for the winter program, she attended many lectures in the extension work of the University of Southern California during her vacation there. She also made good use of their wonderful library.
Sister Sorensen took the Welfare course under Sister Lyman to broaden her field for this particular calling ; she also visited all the State and private institutions for the physically and mentally handicapped. While listening to a radio talk, she learned of a new book written by Laura E. Richards of the life of her father, Samuel Gridly Howe. She used this book as supplementary reading for her lesson on the handicapped child. She wrote to Mrs. Richards and received a gracious answer. These letters were recently published in the Relief Society Magazine.
There are two kinds of teachers, those who come prepared and those who come with excuses. She led with an assurance that comes only with preparation and a love for her work. All her work has been done joyously, and all who have come in contact with her, have felt radiating from her a spirit of delight that characterizes only those who love deeply and sincerely the work they are doing.
The greatest service you can render anyone, is that which helps the person to help himself. Class leaders who have visited her department have come to learn to use the material they have gathered.
Sister Sorensen inspires others to do their part well; she has the ability to see and appreciate in others what is good and beautiful and as a result, she has the power to attract love and devotion. She is modest and unassuming and has charm and personality. She has honored and dignified every calling. She has great strength of character and a will to do the right.
Undoubtedly the greatest thing in her life that colored her whole existence, the thing that is life to her. is the Gospel. She is a true Latter-day Saint, living up to the requirements of the Gospel and putting into practice those things she is to advocate to others.
Sister Sorensen will fill her new position with grace and inspiration while acknowledging her constant dependence on that divine guidance which she has ever sought and found.
Donna Durrant Sorensen
By Marie H. Tanner
DONNA DURRANT SORENSEN was born in Spanish Fork, Utah County, Utah, December 24, 1904. She is the daughter of Agnes Lewis of Spanish Fork and of the late Lorenzo J. Durrant of American Fork. Her grandparents on both sides were converts from the British Isles and crossed the plains shortly after the original pioneers.
She has ever complied with the fifth commandment: "Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee."
This love and loyalty to her parents is also expressed in the verse:
"If I could give you just one gift,
I'd try to make your dreams come true,
I'd see that my life was so spent
That I would be a monument, commemorating you."
When Donna was eight years old, her family moved to Thatcher, Idaho, engaging in the Creamery Business but when she was in the sixth grade, her father moved his family to Provo that they might have the educational advantages of a Church school.
Donna entered the sixth grade of the B. Y. University training school continuing until she graduated from the college in 1927.
SHE gave efficient service as a Sunday School teacher and was called to labor in the Central States Mission from June, 1924, until June, 1926. Sister Lottie T. Bennion, who was mission mother during this time, says : "Donna was a remarkably outstanding missionary. She has a pleasing personality, was a staunch student, was very spiritual and had a broad understanding of the Gospel. She could enter many homes where others failed. Sister Sorensen was especially kind and interested in the new missionaries and was very agreeable with all her companions. She labored around St. Louis and Kansas City and spent one year at the Independence office doing clerical work. She never missed an opportunity of bearing her testimony and with her musical ability, was a great help in the conference. She was a ray of sunshine in the mission home."
UPON her return from her mission, she taught English and speech in the American Fork High School for two years. While there, she worked in the Mutual Improvement Association teaching in the Bee Hive group. She has also taught the Gleaner and Senior Departments and was counselor to the President of the Y. W. M. I. A. of the Capitol Hill Ward. She served as secretary of the Utah State Returned Missionaries for three years. Part of her duty was to arrange for their Sunday appointments and to plan their programs.
Sister Sorensen was married to Wesley A. Sorensen in the Salt Lake Temple, October, 1929. Brother Sorensen is very solicitous in his anxiety to be of assistance to her. She has his faith and support in all her labors and perfect love and harmony exists in their home.
THE art of teaching is an inherent bent of her nature. She was the Theology class leader in the Jeffer son Ward during the winter of 1933 and '34. Her Relief Society President said: "Sister Sorensen inspired the Sisters to look their best and to come better prepared on that day than any other."
Sister Sorensen was called to be the Social Service Class Leader of the Wells Stake Relief Society in the summer of 1934. She felt this was a new line of work and in order to prepare for the winter program, she attended many lectures in the extension work of the University of Southern California during her vacation there. She also made good use of their wonderful library.
Sister Sorensen took the Welfare course under Sister Lyman to broaden her field for this particular calling ; she also visited all the State and private institutions for the physically and mentally handicapped. While listening to a radio talk, she learned of a new book written by Laura E. Richards of the life of her father, Samuel Gridly Howe. She used this book as supplementary reading for her lesson on the handicapped child. She wrote to Mrs. Richards and received a gracious answer. These letters were recently published in the Relief Society Magazine.
There are two kinds of teachers, those who come prepared and those who come with excuses. She led with an assurance that comes only with preparation and a love for her work. All her work has been done joyously, and all who have come in contact with her, have felt radiating from her a spirit of delight that characterizes only those who love deeply and sincerely the work they are doing.
The greatest service you can render anyone, is that which helps the person to help himself. Class leaders who have visited her department have come to learn to use the material they have gathered.
Sister Sorensen inspires others to do their part well; she has the ability to see and appreciate in others what is good and beautiful and as a result, she has the power to attract love and devotion. She is modest and unassuming and has charm and personality. She has honored and dignified every calling. She has great strength of character and a will to do the right.
Undoubtedly the greatest thing in her life that colored her whole existence, the thing that is life to her. is the Gospel. She is a true Latter-day Saint, living up to the requirements of the Gospel and putting into practice those things she is to advocate to others.
Sister Sorensen will fill her new position with grace and inspiration while acknowledging her constant dependence on that divine guidance which she has ever sought and found.
Hart, Anna Boss. "Donna Durrant Sorensen Second Counselor." Relief Society Magazine. January 1940. pg. 11-13.
Donna Durrant Sorensen Second Counselor
By Anna Boss Hart
“I AM ready to go anywhere, provided it be forward." These few words of David Livingstone embody the philosophy of Donna Durrant Sorensen's life.
Since the time that her parents, the late Lorenzo J. Durrant and Agnes Lewis Durrant, came from Thatcher, Idaho, with their family to educate them in a church school at Provo, Donna has been going forward. Forward in her education, for in 1927 she was graduated from the Brigham Young University; forward in the Gospel, for two years were spent in the Central States Mission under President and Sister Samuel O. Bennion whose faith and leadership were exemplary; forward in her profession of teaching as head of the Department of English and Speech in the American Fork High School; forward in every woman's crowning activity, that of homemaking, for October, 1929, saw her marriage to a worthy companion, a graduate from the Utah State Agricultural College, Wesley A. Sorensen, a man valiant in the service of the Church. A little, curly golden-haired daughter graces this ideal union.
Since her marriage, the Church and her home have found the largest interest in her life.
As the windows of their beautiful home offer varied views, so within their lives do we view happiness and well-ordered living, friends in an atmosphere of peace and beauty, with love and faith permeating everywhere.
Not only is her home the expression of her generous, artistic and religious nature, but her appearance as well. Beauty, in all its forms, attracts her attention, whether it is found in dress, in an etching, a sunset or a new flower arrangement.
With all her public work, she has time to cheer those who are sorrowful, to write a letter, to send a flower or a card. It is not possible to express the deep admiration felt by her friends. Some "thoughts lie too deep for words". Her friendship is "the breathing rose, with sweets in every fold".
She is alert to the new, knows valuable books, hears the best music, knows international problems of the day. In all available pursuits, "she has a genius for enjoyment".
The power and richness of her radiant personality characterize everything she does. She can make a delicious pie, can sing a lullaby and sway an audience with the same perfection.
Probably the secret of Donna's success is in the entire giving of herself, her never failing sympathy, her sense of humor that can relieve any difficult situation and the intensity of the life she lives.
Her sense of values—"the ability to see large things large and small things small", which is one of the true measures of education—shows an outstanding harmony of powers.
Above all, she is a true Latter-day Saint. Her great faith has been exercised in behalf of many. Fostered in a home of faith, her testimony has constantly grown along with her service. She has been an inspirational teacher and has taught in most of the auxiliary organizations.
Not until she taught in a ward Relief Society did Donna find the greatest satisfaction in Church activity. Later, she became a member of the Wells Stake Relief Society Board, and since then greater honors have come, and rapidly. In 1935, when she was selected as a member of the General Board, her teaching received a new crown, and her leadership included wider realms. And now, the future holds great promise for this young woman, for with her humility and earnest seeking of her Father in prayer will come limitless vision.
To President Amy Brown Lyman she will bring trust and unquestioned loyalty and the will "to go anywhere, provided it be forward".
Donna Durrant Sorensen Second Counselor
By Anna Boss Hart
“I AM ready to go anywhere, provided it be forward." These few words of David Livingstone embody the philosophy of Donna Durrant Sorensen's life.
Since the time that her parents, the late Lorenzo J. Durrant and Agnes Lewis Durrant, came from Thatcher, Idaho, with their family to educate them in a church school at Provo, Donna has been going forward. Forward in her education, for in 1927 she was graduated from the Brigham Young University; forward in the Gospel, for two years were spent in the Central States Mission under President and Sister Samuel O. Bennion whose faith and leadership were exemplary; forward in her profession of teaching as head of the Department of English and Speech in the American Fork High School; forward in every woman's crowning activity, that of homemaking, for October, 1929, saw her marriage to a worthy companion, a graduate from the Utah State Agricultural College, Wesley A. Sorensen, a man valiant in the service of the Church. A little, curly golden-haired daughter graces this ideal union.
Since her marriage, the Church and her home have found the largest interest in her life.
As the windows of their beautiful home offer varied views, so within their lives do we view happiness and well-ordered living, friends in an atmosphere of peace and beauty, with love and faith permeating everywhere.
Not only is her home the expression of her generous, artistic and religious nature, but her appearance as well. Beauty, in all its forms, attracts her attention, whether it is found in dress, in an etching, a sunset or a new flower arrangement.
With all her public work, she has time to cheer those who are sorrowful, to write a letter, to send a flower or a card. It is not possible to express the deep admiration felt by her friends. Some "thoughts lie too deep for words". Her friendship is "the breathing rose, with sweets in every fold".
She is alert to the new, knows valuable books, hears the best music, knows international problems of the day. In all available pursuits, "she has a genius for enjoyment".
The power and richness of her radiant personality characterize everything she does. She can make a delicious pie, can sing a lullaby and sway an audience with the same perfection.
Probably the secret of Donna's success is in the entire giving of herself, her never failing sympathy, her sense of humor that can relieve any difficult situation and the intensity of the life she lives.
Her sense of values—"the ability to see large things large and small things small", which is one of the true measures of education—shows an outstanding harmony of powers.
Above all, she is a true Latter-day Saint. Her great faith has been exercised in behalf of many. Fostered in a home of faith, her testimony has constantly grown along with her service. She has been an inspirational teacher and has taught in most of the auxiliary organizations.
Not until she taught in a ward Relief Society did Donna find the greatest satisfaction in Church activity. Later, she became a member of the Wells Stake Relief Society Board, and since then greater honors have come, and rapidly. In 1935, when she was selected as a member of the General Board, her teaching received a new crown, and her leadership included wider realms. And now, the future holds great promise for this young woman, for with her humility and earnest seeking of her Father in prayer will come limitless vision.
To President Amy Brown Lyman she will bring trust and unquestioned loyalty and the will "to go anywhere, provided it be forward".
Lyman, Amy Brown "Donna D. Sorensen." Relief Society Magazine. December 1942. pg. 827.
Donna Durrant Sorensen President Amy Brown Lyman ON the opening day of a Relief Society Social Service Institute which I was conducting in the Bishop's Building back in 1934, there walked into the classroom, with a group of workers from Wells Stake, Donna D. Sorensen. It was the first time to my knowledge that I had met her, and I was impressed at once with her fine, dignified appearance and her intelligent, attractive face. As the days went on, I became increasingly interested in her as a student because of her bright and active mind, her quick grasp of subject matter, her buoyant spirit, and personal charm; and by the end of the course, I had become greatly attached to her. When Donna was appointed n member of the General Board in 1935, she seemed to sense fully the importance and scope of the work to which she had been called, and her personal responsibility with respect to it. She was not only willing to work and to serve, but was eager to do so, and in addition she was willing to further fit and prepare herself for her new assignment through special study. As a Board member she served faithfully and efficiently and is loved and appreciated by her fellow workers. Her previous experience in both ward and stake board work, together with her unusual ability, had been an excellent preparation for her in her new calling. She was an asset to any committee to which she was appointed, and her work in connection with general conferences and stake conventions was always outstanding in character. As a counselor in the general presidency. Sister Sorensen has been all that one could desire. She has been faithful, true, loyal, able, and more than willing to do her full share. A natural student and a constant reader, she keeps abreast of all that is going on and has been a real source of information at all times on all subjects related to our work. Most important of all her qualifications, however, and her greatest contribution to her special calling in Relief Society, has been her love and understanding of the Gospel and her strong, unwavering testimony of its truthfulness. All her life she has been devoted to the Church, and one of her greatest joys was the privilege she had of serving the Church for two years in the mission field. |
Cummins, Lawrence E. "Meet Your New Board Member." Instructor. March 1961. pg. 104.
Meet Your New Board Member
It is our pleasure to introduce Donna Durrant Sorensen, a newly-appointed member of the Deseret Sunday School Union Board.
Sister Sorensen brings to this new assignment much valuable experience as a Gospel teacher, community service worker, and educator. Her willingness to serve others is an inspiration, especially to the recipients of her many kindnesses.
As a small girl living in "Gentile Valley" near Thatcher, Idaho, Donna Durrant rode several miles on horseback to school each day. When the Durrant children grew a little older, however, their father, Lorenzo James Durrant, moved the family to Provo, Utah. Even though his work took him elsewhere, it was Brother Durrant's desire that his children should enjoy better educational facilities. When he asked Donna how he could help her most, she replied, "Just let me go to school, Father, so that I can become a teacher."
Temporarily putting aside her studies, she served under former mission president Samuel 0. Bennion as mission bookkeeper and spent the latter part of her mission in Texas introducing lady missionaries to active tracting in that state, which was then part of the Central States Mission. The year following the completion of her mission, she was graduated from the Brigham Young University. After teaching high school in American Fork, Utah, for two years, she married Wesley A. Sorensen in the Salt Lake Temple.
In addition to her service as an LDS missionary, Sister Sorensen has served in a variety of Church assignments: Relief Society theology class leader in Jefferson Ward, Wells Stake Relief Society social science leader; MIA counselor and Relief Society theology class leader in Capitol Hill Ward, Salt Lake Stake ; Relief Society General Board member, and counselor in the General Presidency of the Relief Society.
Sister Sorensen has devoted many years to the Children's Service Society as a board member and as second vice president.
In 1960 she was elected to the BYU Alumni Executive Committee.
Sister Sorensen has taught literature, speech and English and has done some graduate study at the University of Utah, BYU, and the University of California in these subjects. She also finds time to pursue her interest in genealogical research.
Her leisure time, which is obviously limited, is spent in skiing and horseback riding. Sister Sorensen's husband, Wesley, is now serving his third stake mission, having completed a mission as a young man to the Southern States under the late Apostle Charles A. Callis. He is presently owner and manager of the "Doll House," a Salt Lake City restaurant.
The Sorensens have three children : Shauna Lee, who resides and teaches in Baldwin Park, California; Sheila, who is a student at the U of U; and Steven James, who is a student at East High School in Salt Lake City.
—Lawrence E. Cummins
Meet Your New Board Member
It is our pleasure to introduce Donna Durrant Sorensen, a newly-appointed member of the Deseret Sunday School Union Board.
Sister Sorensen brings to this new assignment much valuable experience as a Gospel teacher, community service worker, and educator. Her willingness to serve others is an inspiration, especially to the recipients of her many kindnesses.
As a small girl living in "Gentile Valley" near Thatcher, Idaho, Donna Durrant rode several miles on horseback to school each day. When the Durrant children grew a little older, however, their father, Lorenzo James Durrant, moved the family to Provo, Utah. Even though his work took him elsewhere, it was Brother Durrant's desire that his children should enjoy better educational facilities. When he asked Donna how he could help her most, she replied, "Just let me go to school, Father, so that I can become a teacher."
Temporarily putting aside her studies, she served under former mission president Samuel 0. Bennion as mission bookkeeper and spent the latter part of her mission in Texas introducing lady missionaries to active tracting in that state, which was then part of the Central States Mission. The year following the completion of her mission, she was graduated from the Brigham Young University. After teaching high school in American Fork, Utah, for two years, she married Wesley A. Sorensen in the Salt Lake Temple.
In addition to her service as an LDS missionary, Sister Sorensen has served in a variety of Church assignments: Relief Society theology class leader in Jefferson Ward, Wells Stake Relief Society social science leader; MIA counselor and Relief Society theology class leader in Capitol Hill Ward, Salt Lake Stake ; Relief Society General Board member, and counselor in the General Presidency of the Relief Society.
Sister Sorensen has devoted many years to the Children's Service Society as a board member and as second vice president.
In 1960 she was elected to the BYU Alumni Executive Committee.
Sister Sorensen has taught literature, speech and English and has done some graduate study at the University of Utah, BYU, and the University of California in these subjects. She also finds time to pursue her interest in genealogical research.
Her leisure time, which is obviously limited, is spent in skiing and horseback riding. Sister Sorensen's husband, Wesley, is now serving his third stake mission, having completed a mission as a young man to the Southern States under the late Apostle Charles A. Callis. He is presently owner and manager of the "Doll House," a Salt Lake City restaurant.
The Sorensens have three children : Shauna Lee, who resides and teaches in Baldwin Park, California; Sheila, who is a student at the U of U; and Steven James, who is a student at East High School in Salt Lake City.
—Lawrence E. Cummins