Donna Muse Smith

Donna Muse Smith, a dedicated teacher's assistant and beloved member of her community, passed away on December 10, 2023, at Haywood Regional Medical Center in Haywood County. She was born on September 25, 1958, in Haywood County, where she grew up and made lasting connections with those around her.

Donna's career as a teacher's assistant spanned many years at Clyde Elementary School, where she had the privilege of touching the lives of countless students. Her dedication and love for education were evident in her interactions with her students and colleagues.  Outside of her professional life, Donna found joy in spending time with her family and friends at Lake Chatuge, which she considered her favorite place on earth. The tranquility and beauty of the lake brought her peace and created cherished memories that will be forever treasured.

One of Donna's proudest accomplishments was being a Nana. She dedicated many years to keeping the church nursery at Lake Junaluska First Baptist Church, nurturing and caring for young children with love and kindness. The happiness she brought to the little ones under her care was immeasurable, and she will always be remembered as a compassionate presence in their lives.

Donna is survived by her loving husband of 44 years, Ronnie Smith of Clyde. Together they shared a deep bond built on love and respect that served as an example to all who knew them. She also leaves behind her daughter Tiffany Turner and husband Phillip, as well as her son Brandon Smith and wife Amanda. Donna's pride and joy were her three beautiful grandchildren: Abigail Hope Turner, Makenna Grace Turner, and Remi Leigh Smith.  In addition to her immediate family, Donna is survived by two sisters: Kathy Warren and husband James of Waynesville, and Sharon Ledford of Bristol, Virginia. She was a loving aunt who cherished her nieces and nephews and left a lasting impact on their lives.  Donna was preceded in death by her parents Kenneth Ray and Kathleen Medford Muse. 

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, at the Waynesville Chapel of Wells Funeral Home with John Swanger officiating.  A visitation will be held from 12:30 p.m. until service time at the funeral home.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Calvary Road Youth and Children's Ministry, 2701 Soco Road, Maggie Valley, NC 28751.

The care of Donna has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville and an online memorial register is available at "Obituaries" at www.wellsfuneralhome.com.