Donna Lee Sours (nee Smith) passed away on March 6, 2024 at the age of 78 years in the care of Shenandoah Senior Living.
Donna was born in Frostburg, MD on January 18, 1946 and was the daughter of the late Rev. and Mrs. Luther G. Smith.
Donna is the beloved wife of Burton O. Sours “Burt” of Toms Brook, VA who, along with her daughter, Cheryl “Sherri” Lee Smedley, dedicated their time and energy to Donna’s care and comfort throughout a lengthy illness.
A 1964 graduate of Beall High School in Frostburg, MD, Donna soon thereafter married Theodore J. Minnick “Ted”. They were the parents of two daughters, Sherri and Missi (Melissa Dawn Magalis).
A long-time employee of Warren County, VA administrative government offices, Donna met her second husband, Robert J. Jett of Front Royal. Following Bobby’s passing Donna met, and married Burt Sours in 2006.
A long-time and dedicated member of the Riverton Church in Front Royal, Donna was faithful and committed to her Christian beliefs and Christian upbringing throughout her life. Her faith in God sustained her through many difficult life’s circumstances.
Donna was an avid reader and enjoyed the craft of crocheting. Frequently she produced and donated hand-made items and resources to those who were less fortunate than she. She was known for her generosity to family and friends, as well as unknown individuals. Among Donna’s passions were babies; never did she meet a child whom she did not affectionately greet and exchange accolades of joy.
Surviving Donna’s passing, in addition to Burt and Sherri, is Sherri’s husband, Wayne Smedley of Strasburg, VA and their daughter, Whitney. Holly Anne, the oldest of the Smedley’s two children, died in 2014. Donna’s daughter, Missi, passed away in 2019 and is survived by her husband, Kahle Magalis of Front Royal and their three children, Brooke (Matt), Robin (Max), Lane (Michael).
One sibling, Luther “Bud” G. Smith, Jr., and his life partner, Jon Paul, of Cincinnati, OH are also survivors of Donna’s passing. Affectionately, Donna and Luther referred to one another as “Sister Belle” and “Brother Louie”.
Donna was fortunate to have a blended family to include Burt’s four children and their spouses including Cheri and Joe Compton (Rixeyville, VA), Cathy and Johnny Payne (Tampa, FL), Christi and Tom McGrane (Lake Okeechobee, FL), and Sam and Darlene Sours (Erie, CO). There are seven surviving step-grandchildren and three step-great grandchildren.
Family night will be held on Thursday, March 14 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Maddox Funeral Home, 105 West Main Street, Front Royal, VA 22630. The funeral will be held on Friday, March 15 at 2:00 p.m. at Riverton Church with the Rev. Marc Roberson presiding. Burial will occur immediately following the service in Panorama Memorial Gardens.
Greatly loved and missed by family and many friends, Donna remains in our thoughts and memories. She made a positive impact in this life and her legacies will live-on.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 West Cork Street, Winchester, VA 22601.
Our deepest condolences for the passing of your mother. May God be with you in the days ahead.
My deepest condolences to you Burt and family. Donna was a special friend to me 2004-2008 while attending Riverton Church. She had such a sweet and caring spirit. Donna, I and a few other ladies were brought together to do a few liturgical dances at the church. We all were widowers and shared a special bond. Went to Shiprock together on a mission trip. I have very fond memories of this. Donna loved Jesus!
May our precious Lord comfort you Burt and the extended family. Shawn Foster Daley-Greencastle, PA
Uncle Burt, We are sad to hear of Donna’s passing. The loss of a loved one brings grief in many ways and we hope that time will relieve the pain and give way to peace. Our deepest condolences to you and all the family. Love, Neal and Suzanne Fortney
My husband Terence and I were fortunate enough to have Burt and Donna as next door neighbors. They have always, since the very first time we meet them, been very, very kind people and we are grateful for their sweet, good and gentle ways of being. We know that losing Donna will be hard on Burt because we could tell he loved Donna dearly. May all who knew and loved Donna feel peace and joy in knowing Donna is in the loving arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.