Donna Gudger

In Loving Memory of Donna Jean Gudger

November 15, 1957 – June 20, 2025

Donna Jean Gudger was born on November 15, 1957, and peacefully departed this earth surrounded by loved ones on June 20, 2025, following a courageous battle with breast cancer.

Early Life and Education

Donna grew up on the east side of Columbus, Ohio, with her loving parents, James and Annabelle White. Throughout her childhood, she was also nurtured by the love and support of the Moye, Wade, and Curry families. Donna attended Ohio Avenue Elementary School and later East High School. She earned her surgical tech certification and worked in the medical field before discovering her true calling in caregiving. For the past 33 years, she dedicated herself as a private healthcare provider, offering compassion and care to her clients.

A Life of Strength and Love

When thinking of Donna’s life, the words resilient, self-reliant, and determined come to mind. She never met a challenge she could not overcome and poured these qualities—along with unconditional love—into her children.

Donna's greatest joy in life was being a mother. For many years, she was a proud "boy mom" to RayShawn and Donte. Later, she was blessed with three daughters: Anika, Zania, and Reniesa. Donna raised her children to be strong, confident, and unafraid to speak their minds. Her commitment to motherhood was unwavering.

A Generous Spirit

Donna had an incredibly giving heart. The holidays were particularly special to her. She found joy in celebrating every holiday, decorating her home festively—even for Valentine’s Day. Her favorite holidays were Thanksgiving and Christmas, which she made magical for everyone around her. Donna had a personal ministry of giving; each year, she adopted a family for Christmas, as she could not stand to see a child go without. Acts of service were her love language; on any given day, visitors could come to Donna’s home and get what they needed, brand new!

A Joyful Soul

Laughter was the key to Donna’s happiness. She had a playful wit, often making up unique words that sent those around her into fits of laughter. Her advice—though sometimes direct—was always necessary and filled with wisdom and love. Donna enjoyed shopping, dining out, and crafting jewelry, hobbies that brought her peace and joy.

A Cherished Legacy

Donna leaves to cherish her beautiful memory: her children, Rayshawn, Donte, Anika, Zania, and Reniesa; her grandchildren, Juanita, O’Sheaynna, Donte (Paradise), Leland, DaShawna, Mionnah, Neveah, Tyson, Zionnah, Zander, Aubrey, and Thaddeaus (TJ); her great-grandchildren, Ky’Marah, Robreyanna, Roshanara, Ky’Myah, and Jah’Kari.

She is also survived by her best friend, Mary Malone, childhood friend, Rick Sparks, Diana Wade, whom she affectionately called "Mom," and a host of loving sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Donna Jean Gudger was a woman of purpose, love, and unwavering strength. Her legacy of generosity, laughter, and fierce love will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.