Donna Kay (Brown) Whitley

Donna Kay Whitley, a beacon of kindness and love, passed away on January 10, 2025 at her home in Stantonsburg, NC. Born on December 14, 1960, in Fayetteville, NC, Donna's journey through life was one marked by an unwavering devotion to her faith, her family, and the pursuit of knowledge.

Donna's early years were spent as a self-proclaimed army brat, a life that took her from the diverse landscapes of Massachusetts to the historic towns of Germany, instilling in her a profound appreciation for different cultures and communities. Despite the many places she called home, Donna's heart remained firmly rooted in North Carolina, where she returned.

A proud graduate of Meredith College with a bachelor’s degree in French and a minor in Spanish. Donna channeled her passion for education into a fulfilling career as a teacher at every educational level—from elementary and middle school to high school and adult learners. However, middle school students always held a special place in her heart. Whether it was guiding 8th-grade girls in Sunday school or most recently, teaching English Language Arts at Springfield Middle School in Lucama, NC, Donna’s passion for nurturing and educating students shone through in all she did. Donna was deeply passionate about learning and driven by a desire to help others grow and succeed. Her greatest role, however, was that of a devoted wife, a loving mother and grandmother.

Donna's life in Stantonsburg, NC, was filled with joy and purpose. For fourteen years, she was an integral part of the community, known for her devout Christian faith and her practice of praying for others. She saw the good in people, always offering words of encouragement and sharing the lessons she had learned with a generous spirit. No matter the difficulty in life, she was always firmly planted and unwavering in her faith.

Her family was the cornerstone of her existence. She is survived by her loving daughter, Elizabeth "Lizzy" Clapsadl and her husband David of Wilson, NC; her son, James Whitley IV and his wife Hope of Stantonsburg, NC; her brother, Jeff Brown and his wife Dawn of Cary, NC; her sisters, Lisa Holmes and her husband Scott of Hamlet, NC and Marion Jackson and her husband William of Goldsboro, NC. Donna's role as a grandmother was one she embraced with every fiber of her being, leaving behind cherished memories for her granddaughter, Anna James Clapsadl, and grandsons, James "Jay" Norwood Whitley V and Eason Hayes Whitley.

Predeceased by her beloved husband, J. Norwood Whitley III, and her mother, Judy Lane Butler, Donna's legacy of love and compassion continues to live on through the lives of those she touched.

Donna's memory will be treasured forever as a reminder of the power of kindness, the importance of laughter, and the enduring strength of love.

A celebration of her life will be held, 11:00AM Monday, January 20, 2025 at Mt. Nelson Baptist Missionary Church, 206 W Main St, Eureka, NC 27830 with Pastor Jimmy Dale officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow the service in Stantonsburg Cemetery in Stantonsburg, NC.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the church or the Brain Endowment Bank, Miller School of Medicine 1951 NW 7th Ave Miami, FL 33136.  Arrangements are in the care of Providence Funeral & Cremation Service 519 Broad St. W. Wilson, NC 27893. Phone: (252) 674-1553 

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