Donna McDonald was born March 2, 1961 in Newburgh, New York, to William Gathings and Katherine Melius. She was the oldest of six children. She had two brothers, William and Tony. She also had three sisters, Carolyn, Michelle and Barbara Ann. As a young child, her Daddy moved his family back to his hometown, Hamlet, North Carolina.
While still in high school, Donna married her first love, George Moore, in December 1978. Together they had three children, Danny, Adam and Katie. They were married for 13 years when George passed suddenly in January 1992. Donna married again in September 2000 to Bruce McDonald.
Donna was an extraordinary person. She was full of life and greeted everyone with a “hey babe” and beautiful smile. Donna would go out of her way to help people. She literally was only a phone call away putting aside her personal wants for others.
Donna was a hard worker. In her younger years, she worked multiple jobs at times to provide for her family. She spent the majority of her working career at Burlington Industries. She was a dedicated employee often using her personal time to do work tasks. She took pride in her work and made sure it was done properly. She truly lived by the phrase “a job worth doing, is worth doing right.” Not just at her job but in all things.
Donna loved laying on the beach with her toes in the sand, dancing, old country and beach music, Christmas, cookouts and watching movies just to name a few. She had a wonderful sense of humor and was also very intelligent. Donna never met a stranger. Her compassion for people showed through her actions.
Above all, Donna loved her family. Her greatest joy was spending time with not only her children but her grandchildren. She had seven whom she called her “Love Buckets”: Gaige, Daylyn, Shane, Joshua, Will, Hallie and Addison. They truly were the light of her life. She beamed when she talked about them. She was so proud to be their Nana.
Donna entered her heavenly home April 29, 2024 surrounded by her family. She fought a good fight to the very end. She will be greatly missed by all her who loved her.
Donna is survived by her husband, Bruce McDonald; her sons, Danny Moore, Adam Moore and his wife, Ainsley, and her daughter, Katie Moore; as well as her “Love Buckets,” her siblings, and Summer Moore.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Richmond County Hospice, Pastor Doug Anderson and Jackie Carpenter for love and care for Donna during her final days.
Donna’s Memorial Service will be held Friday, May 3, 2024 at 6 p.m. at the home of Ronnie and Jackie Carpenter, 327 Fairley Hayes Road, Rockingham.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Donna’s memory to Richmond County Hospice or the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
