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Donna Daily Obituary
September 14, 1954 - November 14, 2024
Donna Louise Walcher Daily, 70, of Hickory passed away on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at her residence. Born September 14, 1954, in Houston, TX, she was the daughter of the late Floyd John Walcher and Jo Ellen Davis Walcher. Donna lived in Houston, TX, Chicago, IL, Pittsburgh, PA, Newark, DE, Red Hill, VA, and Lafayette, IN, before settling in Hickory, in 1996 when her husband became the Executive Director of the Hickory Landmarks Society.
While living in Virginia, she obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Longwood College and taught elementary education from 1980 to 1990. She worked briefly as a museum guide at Patick Henry National Memorial, in Red Hill. In Indiana, she worked as a secretary at Purdue University from 1990 to 1996. From 1997 until 2010, Donna served as a library assistant at Lenoir Rhyne University in Hickory.
A creative person, Donna enjoyed making floral arrangements and artificial wreaths. She turned this hobby into small businesses, Donna's Wreaths and Everlasting Flowers. Reading, cooking, and birdwatching were other hobbies she enjoyed.
Donna was a member of Zion Lutheran Church of Hickory and a member of the Hickory Tavern Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, where she served two terms as Regent. She was kind to everyone she met and a soft-spoken, gentle lady. Despite health challenges over the years, Donna courageously met them.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, Patrick Daily; her son, Evan Daily, of Kings Mountain, NC; three siblings, Michael Walcher (Diane) of Fort Myers, FL, Karen Van Sickle (Geoff) of Richmond, VA, and Kathy Brooks (Doug) of Jacksonville, FL; four nephews and two nieces.
A graveside service is planned for 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Pastor David Drysdale officiating. The family will receive friends following in the fellowship hall. Memorial gifts may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society or the Hickory Landmark Society.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donna Daily
Sponsored by Bass-Smith Funeral Home and Crematory - Hickory.
3 Entries
Henry Mitchell (and daughter Sarah)
November 19, 2024
Donna, we miss your gentle voice, your deep and sincere conversation, and your loving encouragement. Patrick and Evan, may the Lord give you peace, direction, and wisdom in this painful transition.
To my wife Patricia (an only child), Donna was the sister she wished she had. Patrick, you and Donna ushered Patricia into a lifelong writing career. Our gratitude to the two of you is infinite. In those early years together, amid the greenery and history of southern Virginia, our hours of mutual discussion were miraculously creative, our own little "think tank."
Patricia entered Heaven's gates nine months prior to Donna, both of them swept there through sudden and overwhelming medical circumstances, after they had shared decades bravely and resolutely battling and managing chronic illnesses. Those of us left behind are shocked and in mourning, but Donna and Patricia have now escaped pain's curse and are together again, experiencing unfathomable joy.
Donna, you have fought the good fight, you have finished the race, you have kept the faith. Now there is in store for you the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to you!
Chet Spruill
November 19, 2024
Patrick and Evan, What a real shock today when I saw the passing of your beloved Donna. She was one of the sweetest and nicest person I've ever known. Heaven received a true angel. My thoughts and prayers are with you guys in the days ahead as you adjust to your new normal. My God bless you guys in the days ahead.
Brenda & Gary Kanipe
November 19, 2024
Donna was an amazing woman; courageous in staying engaged with projects & people while navigating MS. Her Christian faith was strong & was shown to others through her kindness to others, her service to her church, her willingness to help in whatever way she could. She was an example to others as a disciple of Christ & was a friend to many. We will miss her smile & sense of humor, her friendship. Deepest sympathy & Christian love, Brenda & Gary Kanipe
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