Donna Carol Esther, 79, of Weyers Cave, VA, passed away on Monday, June 12, 2023 at The Phoenix in Harrisonburg. She was born on September 11, 1943 in Atlanta, GA to the late James Ralph and Mitzi Jeannette Little.
Donna was born and raised between Atlanta, GA and Chattanooga, TN. She was proud of her southern roots, so much so that even living in the north she was always sure to have sweet tea and homemade biscuits. She attended Georgia State and taught preschool for many years. She enjoyed family vacations, especially to St. Simons Island in Georgia. She attended Covenant Presbyterian Church in Staunton, VA where she and her husband were Sunday school teachers for many years. Her passion was childhood education, which led to her forming a Concerned Parents Council that promoted quality education in the school system. Her experience in childhood education was evident in how interactive she was with her ten grandchildren as well. Donna loved people and getting together with her friends for lunch, even helping those that needed a place to go for the holidays. She often invited friends to Thanksgivings at her home, and through that she had her “created family.”
She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Charles Richard Esther; sons, Charles “Cary” Esther Jr. and wife, Julie, and James “David” Esther and wife, Sarah; daughter, Christy Jeannette Goehner and husband, Chris; brother, Steve Little and wife, Ledra; and grandchildren, Christopher, Andrew, and Rebecca Esther, Anna, Rachel, Emma, and Ryan Goehner, and Eli, Evie, and Nate Esther; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 16, 2023 at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Staunton, VA, with Pastor John Peterson officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to Augusta County Fire and Rescue Inc. at PO Box 590, Verona, VA 24482 in her memory.
