Donna Renee Gregory passed away peacefully Thursday, October 22, 2026. She was born on February 21, 1963, in Asheville, NC.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Linda Gregory; maternal grandparents, Ralph and Betty Smith Ford, paternal grandparents, Gilbert and Christine Downs Gregory.

She is survived by her sister, Pamela G. Wingate; her nephew, Kaleb D. Wingate; her niece, Danielle L. Wingate; and her great niece, Lily A. Wingate, all of Waynesville, NC.

Donna was a resident of the ARC—Woodlawn Group Home in Clyde, NC, for 40 years.

Donna’s life was not an easy road, as she faced severe medical disabilities. Yet she lived as we all should with humility, innocence, resilience, and determination every day. Her smile could light up a room and melt your heart.

Those fortunate enough to have known Donna were truly blessed. She taught us what matters most in life: love for others, kindness, finding happiness despite struggles, and always smiling.

Pam, Kaleb, and Danielle would like to express their gratitude to the Woodlawn Group Home Staff—Jency, Joe, Sherry, Jillian, Candy, Mandy, Michele, Noah, Dan, Becky and Myra and all former caregivers. Their unwavering 24-hour care, commitment, and willingness to go above and beyond provided Donna with an exceptional level of care and love. Without them, the journey would have been extremely difficult.

Special thanks are also extended to the Four Seasons Hospice Center of Hendersonville, NC.

A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Interment will take place at Old Thickety Ford Family Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made specifically to the Woodlawn Group Home, 401 Woodlawn Circle, Clyde, NC, 28721, or to the Haywood County Animal Shelter, 453 Jones Cove Road, Clyde, NC, 28721.  

The care of Ms. Gregory has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.