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Donavan GILLIS Obituary
In addition to his parents, he is survived by his half brother, Landon Jacob Rhine; grandparents, Catherine Breckenridge and her husband, David Wilson, Pat and Pam Gillis and Karle Breckenridge; and great-grandparents, Enrica Pierce, Wanda Wilson, George and RenatE Gillis, Yvonne S. Covington and Patricia Breckenridge.
Funeral services will be held at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 7, at Peninsula Funeral Home with the family receiving friends after until 6 p.m.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of CHKD and Sentara Norfolk General.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the World Craniofacial Foundation, PO Box 515838, Dallas, TX 75251.
Peninsula Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donavan GILLIS
Cathy Wilson
November 2, 2013
Happy Birthday Donovan! We still think about you every day :) Love you!!
Pat Sasser
December 28, 2010
Carmen,Noel,Cathy & Dave, We were so sorry to hear about little Donovan. I am so very proud of you guys sticking it out & not giving up. What a life experience you have gone through. I'm sure precious little Donovan is being taken care of by his Grandpa Pierce & all will be reunited some day. Our thoughts & prayers go out to all of you. Love, Phillip & Pat Sasser
Nhu Yeargin
November 16, 2010
Dear Cathy and Family,
We are deeply sadden by your loss. No words would be adequate to express our condolences, but please know that you and your family will be kept in our prayers during this chapter of your lives. Our deepest sympathies. Nhu Yeargin YLS Inc. Landscape Contractor
Melissa Lang
November 16, 2010
Dear Cathy and Family:
I am so sorry for your great loss. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
November 16, 2010
Cathy,
I am so sorry for your loss. I continue to pray that you and your family remain strong during such a difficult time.
Leslei Langslow
Abbitt Mgmt., LLC
Melissa Lang
November 16, 2010
Dear Cathy and Family:
I am very sorry for your great loss. I will be keeping you and your family in my prayers.
Melissa Lang
Abbitt Management, LLC
Carol R.
November 16, 2010
Dear Catherine and Family, mere words will never give the level of comfort you need or touch the sorrow you feel. I will pray that an easier day will come soon. My deepest sympathies
November 10, 2010
Dear Cathy and Family,
Words seem so inadequate but please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you...Caron G.
Traci Knight
November 9, 2010
I know words can not help in healing your pain, and I know that as a mommy myself, I could not bear the weight of your loss.
May the Lord bless you and keep you.
May the Lord be gracious unto you.
May the Lord shine his countenance upon you and give you peace.
Traci Knight
Mike & Debbie Waddell
November 8, 2010
Dear Gillis Family,
"Sometimes life seems hard to bear, full of sorrow, trouble and woe. It is then we have to remember, it is in the Valley I grow." Author Unknown
Keeping your family in our prayers.
Amelia Hodges
November 8, 2010
Cathy, may the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. Carmen and Noel, I am praying for your continued strength as you mourn the loss of such a beautiful little boy.
Baby Donovan stretching
Catherine Breckenridge
November 8, 2010
November 8, 2010
Dear loved ones of baby Donavan. Please know that many people are praying for you daily. I'm sorry for your loss.
Lynn V
Cindy Claiborne
November 7, 2010
Dear Carmen, Noel and families,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time and know that even though his time with you was short, he will always be with each of you and is watching over you. Keep each other close and rely on each other and faith as you cope. You are in our prayers,
Cindy Claiborne and family
Art Murty
November 7, 2010
Dear Noel, Carmen, Pat, Pam, Catherine, David, Karl;
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy on the passing of Donavon .
Sometimes words cannot begin to express our sorrow or the pain our hearts can feel, but know you are in my prayers and the Lord is with you always.
Little Angels
When God calls little children
to dwell with Him above.
We mortals sometimes question
the wisdom of His love.
For no heartache compares with
the loss of one small child,
who does so much to make our world
seem wonderful and mild.
Perhaps God tires of calling
the aged to His fold.
So He picks a rosebud
before it can grow old.
God knows how much we need them
and so He takes but a few,
to make the land of Heaven
more beautiful to view.
Believing this is difficult,
still somehow me must try.
The saddest word mankind may know
will always be "Goodbye".
So when a child departs
we who are left behind,
must realize God loves children,
because…. Angels are hard to find.
~Author Unknown
“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to them. And He took the children in His arms, put His hands on them and blessed them”. Mark 10:14, 16
Art Murty
November 7, 2010
Noel, Carmen, Pat, Pam, Catherine, David, Karl;
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy on the passing of Donavon .
Sometimes words cannot begin to express our sorrow or the pain our hearts can feel, but know you are in my prayers and the Lord is with you always.
Little Angels -
When God calls little children
to dwell with Him above.
We mortals sometimes question
the wisdom of His love.
For no heartache compares with
the loss of one small child,
who does so much to make our world
seem wonderful and mild.
Perhaps God tires of calling
the aged to His fold.
So He picks a rosebud
before it can grow old.
God knows how much we need them
and so He takes but a few,
to make the land of Heaven
more beautiful to view.
Believing this is difficult,
still somehow me must try.
The saddest word mankind may know
will always be "Goodbye".
So when a child departs
we who are left behind,
must realize God loves children,
because ..... Angels are hard to find.
~Author Unknown
“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to them. And He took the children in His arms, put His hands on them and blessed them”.
Mark 10:14,16
Arthur R Murty
Lisa Massey
November 7, 2010
My prayers are with your entire family Cathy. God. Bless you all
Carolyn & Wayne Blanchard
November 7, 2010
Carmen and Noel,
Words cannot describe the sorrow that we feel for you two during this difficult time. Your strength is unbelievable and admirable. Donavan will live eternally through your eyes, your heart and your memories. Continue to be strong. With all our love..
Rick, Cheryl, Sarah and Nicole Pierce
November 7, 2010
Carmen and Noel,
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. I'm sure your pop-pop is holding baby Donavan right now.
Love Uncle Rick, Aunt Cheryl
Tobi Hancock
November 6, 2010
Dearest Carmen, Noel, Cathy and family. Please know that you are not alone in your grief. I've seen more love in the past few days than one could ask for in a lifetime... and all because of you, Carmen and your strength and courage. You are amazing! Love and prayers to you, Noel and family.
Pat Stanley
November 6, 2010
Dear Pat,Pam & Family, No words can express to you all how it saddens me to hear this. To have a young life taken before it has even had time to grow is so hard to understand. May your family and God keep you all strong through this very difficult time...Your in my prayers...
Cynthia Powell
November 6, 2010
Carmen and Noel, I pray that God will give you peace. I am saddened by your loss, but I am awed and humbled by the way you two young parents have faced this situation with such love, grace and poise. I am glad that Donavan had you two for parents! You both show the rest of us what real love is. Bless you both. Donavan is with you always.
Neil Fisch
November 6, 2010
Dear Noel and Carman,
My family and I want you and the families to know we are grieving with you over the loss of your son Donavan. We pray for you both, in this time of sadness and grieving, that you both can draw closer in support to each other. Like the poem "Footprints in the Sand", when you feel angry and alone and run the gammut of emotions, it is then, that He carries you. Love you guys.
Carolyn Buchanan and Family
November 6, 2010
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Jessica Jones
November 6, 2010
I cannot imagine your pain but I hope that you find comfort. I am so sorry for your loss.
November 6, 2010
Heaven has gained a beautiful angel, so sorry for your family's loss - sending prayers to you all during this most difficult time...Ursla, Dan, Kendall and Erin Gallagher (Oviedo Florida)
Jamie Cullen
November 6, 2010
I am at a lose for words while you are greaving the lose of your precious son. While he was here I hope he brought many joys. He is beautiful but not gone forever; until we all meet again. I'm sorry for this lose to you Noel and Carmen. May God keep you strong through this time! Your family is awesome and will be there for you. God BLess and TAke CAre!
Jamie
Petrina Gattuso
November 6, 2010
My love and condolences to Carmen, Noel and the entire family. May Donovan live on in all our hearts and watch over us.
November 6, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family and little Donavan. We hope his service is a source of comfort for you. Allen, Terry, Buz, Aimee and Leanne Wood
Lori Carlson
November 6, 2010
Cathy, I know Donovan will be friends forever with my granddaughter, Madelynn Nichole. We will see them again! There are no words I can say to ease the hole in your heart. Just know that I am thinking of you and will keep you and your family in my prayers.
November 6, 2010
Dear Noel, Carmen, and families; I know there is nothing I can say to ease your tremendous sorrow at this time. How fortunate that for Donovan's entire life all he knew was love. You are all in my prayers and my love to you all. Patty (Teresa's mom)
Joyce Adamowski Outen
November 6, 2010
Dearest Carmen, my thoughts are prayers are with you and your family in your time of need. Nobody should have to endure this type of sorrow in their life.
Anne Shea
November 6, 2010
Baby Donovan touched so many lives and was a very special gift who will never be forgotten. Blessings to Carmen and Noel and all the family. God Bless!
Jennifer Wargo
November 6, 2010
Donavan, I never got to meet you but you've touched my life as well as many others. I have two angel babies in heaven and I hope you are happy with them, being our guardian angels. Lots of love to Carmen, Noel, and my special friend "Grandma Cathy".
Katie Odom
November 6, 2010
The whole breckenridge family is in my prayers. Good luck to everyone, just stay strong. Love you guys.
Wish we could have know you longer, touched you more, kissed you often, we will love you forever, Your "Big Daddy" and "Y
November 6, 2010
November 6, 2010
Carmen & family, There are no words to ease your pain. Please know that we are thinking about you guys during this difficult time. Jennifer Cunnison & family
Raywood Mickles Jr
November 6, 2010
I didn't know the lil guy or y'all but i just wanted to say i'm sorry for your loss...Prayers are with your family!!!
Catherine Breckenridge
November 6, 2010
Baby Donovan we love you and will never forget your precious little face. You've taught us what real love is. You're so lucky to have had a strong mommy who never gave up on you and who knew there was a purpose for you on this earth, and a daddy who loves you so much and was there to dress you and place you in mommy's arms to feel her warmth and love. We enjoyed every minute we shared with you and we'll surely see you again.
Grandma Cathy and Grandpa Dave
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