Dear Friends,
It is with the greatest sadness we tell you that we lost our beloved Donna today. The grief is all ours, but there is joy that Donna is home with her Heavenly Father rejoicing with so many that she helped through the same journey she made herself today...Granny Gusler, Teresa, Grandmom Crabtree and so many others. Our beautiful wife, mother, daughter, and sister touched so many lives that the only way possible for us to reach so many who care about her was through this blog.
The prayers of so many sustained us and Donna through the darkest and stormiest hours in the last few months. God provided so much through so many. We ask that you continue to pray for Donna's husband Joel and her daughters, parents, sisters, brother, grandchildren and the multitude of lives that will go on missing a piece.
Arrangements are for a wake to be at Woods Funeral Home in Floyd on Monday evening, with services and a celebration of Donna's life on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. at Antioch Church of the Brethren in Rocky Mount. We will post full details by Sunday evening.
Thank you to all who gave of themselves and offered their prayers during the past difficult months. The earthly suffering will be great for us, but Donna's suffering has passed and for that we are truly thankful.
Love,
Donna's Family
Mom said it best...You went to war--We all lost but you've won. God looked down upon you today and called your name. I know that when you entered His kingdom He smiled upon you and said, "Well done, my child." There is a void in my being that will never be filled until I see you face to face in Heaven, but I'm coming there one day, Big D...We're going to hug and laugh together again. Until then...Well done, Sister.
ReplyDeleteBev
Even as my heart is breaking it is also at peace knowing that today you soar like the eagles, you run and are not weary. We missed you so much today as we will every day. God gave us the most wonderful gift of a few extra precious months we will cherish forever. We will watch after each other until we see you again. Until then my little chickadee I will look at the stars and know there's a twinkle there from our Bright Eyes.
ReplyDeletejan
I know it is such a sad time for your family as you have all been through so much. Donna was like a sister to me and will be missed. She has lost the fight but won the victory in Jesus that we hope to gain one day. We will see her again and no longer in pain and we have to remember this every time we wish she were back here on earth. Love, Gwen
ReplyDeleteThis is what Donna is experiencing right now. We who love and trust in him will join her soon. Amen.
ReplyDeleteFor our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ: who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that he has even to subject all things to himself" (Phillipians 3:20-21 Rest in Peace precious Donna. A.Shell
Janet and Donna's family
ReplyDeleteAs we all know, Donna fought the fight for the last few months of her life-and what a good fight she fought. On Saturday March 21, 2009 I believe Jesus said "Daughter- you will not have to fight any more- I am bringing you home"
John 11:25 "He who believes in me will live, even though he dies and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" We know taht Donna beleived this and Donna is alive in Jesus-and we will be reunited with her again one fine day. My prayers are with you all and I look forward to that day when we will all be reunited-no more tears -no more sorrow. My deepest love to you all, Sherry
Thank you for your inspiration, Donna. You truly drew your strength from the Lord and now He has answered your prayers and completely healed you. I've never met you, but I pray I can live by your example. My sadness is for those who love and miss you, but I praise God Almighty for His mercy in bringing you home. Your fight has been one full of ups and downs, and when you finally got to see our Lord Jesus in all His shekina glory and He wrapped His loving arms around you, I know He said "Well done, my good and faithful servant.". My love and prayers go out to all the family and(\o/)
ReplyDeleteI pray the God of peace comforts your /_\
hearts and keeps you looking to Him.
Love in Christ,
Greg Carr
In the nearly 25 years I have known the Pennington family they may have been poor in material pocessions, but rich where it matters most, in their love of life, each other, others and most importantly God. A wise person once told me not to question why God allows bad things to happen to us but ask what he is trying to teach us. In the past few months as I've watched Donna struggle with her illness and her family rally around her. I've seen the love of God flowing through each of their lives and it has inspired me to try and grow in my faith. Those of us who have followed this blog have learned how to face hardship with grace. We have learned to rejoice in the little things and never take those we love for granted. We have watch Donna's family praise God in all things and shun bitterness and anger. We all all been a witness to the light of God shining through this family. Thank you Donna for that gift.
ReplyDeleteFor Donna's family I pray for the confort that comes through knowing God. I pray that when the hole in your heart bleeds you will draw ever closer to each other and to the God you hold so dear. I pray that we as friends who love you can help ease your breaking heart just a little. I pray that over time you will be able remember the good times and laugh.
Never forget God loves you and I do to.
LaVerne (otherwise known as VaLearn)
The day is getting close. I hate this time of year. I miss you. I've needed to talk to my mom all week and it sucks that you're not here. There's so many things that I want to tell you about the girls, Chris, our lives, and I can't. But, that's life and I will learn to deal with it I guess. So for now, my chatting will just have to go on here. LOL.
ReplyDeleteKendall is almost 4. She acts just like you sometimes. Always making friends. I feel like she's growing up so fast. She loves elephants. Those who know you understand why I would tell you that. Bentley is 1. She's a cute mess and just perfect in her own little way. I am so happy that she was born on Crystal's birthday. I save the voice mail she left the day I was having her just so Bentley can listen to it on her birthday every year. Chris is my rock. I don't know what I would do without him in my life. You would love him. He's perfect. Even when he's not. Kendall sings every day. If she's anything like you, her voice will be beautiful. Wednesday I will hopefully be photographing Suzie and Brendon's son Braylen (my godson). He's beautiful. I am so happy to be his godmother. Jeff is the godfather and will be great at it I'm sure. We make a perfect team. ;) I'm going to Scotland for 3 weeks. Not looking forward to the 10 hour flight there with 2 small children, but I'm sure it will be fun once we're there and settled in.
Well I guess that's all for now. I know these are just random statements, but I needed to talk to you. I've tried saying them out loud, but I always end up crying so it's just better if I write them down. To this day I still am very angry that you are not here, but I have to deal with it, and I'm getting better. I miss you. I love you. And I wish you were here. XOXO. <3