Donna Gaye Baumgardner

Donna Gaye Baumgardner, 72, of Charlottesville, Virginia went home to be with the Lord, Jesus Christ, on October 22, 2025 at Hospice House.

Donna was born on November 11, 1952 in Oak Hill, West Virginia. She was the only daughter of Troy W. Thorn, Sr. and Geneva Mae Foster Thorn. She was preceded in death by her parents, her nephew Michael Thorn and her long-time, faithful Yorkie, Serenity.

Donna graduated from Fayetteville High School, got married and moved to Charlottesville in 1971, worked at Trimble Dry Cleaning in Crozet and cared for her sick mother and two younger brothers from 1973 to 1976.

Donna lived her life with a sweet spirit. She would be concerned for the well-being of all others before considering her own needs. Her humble heart led to many friendships that endured the test of time.

In her early days of marriage while raising a family, when money was tight, Donna became a coupon master, using her common sense to successfully stretch a tight budget to meet her family's needs. After raising three sons, she spent her later years volunteering her time to collect food for the less fortunate, faithfully volunteering at Hospice of the Piedmont's Hospice House, supporting church family and youth activities, and providing a supportive shoulder for those in need of a loving heart to get sage advice, an ear to listen, and an open door to a safe haven.

Donna began her walk with the Lord as a teenager, faithfully read the Bible, believed in the Word of God, and unashamedly lived her faith. She will be greatly missed by her family and a group of friends too numerous to count.

Donna is survived by her three sons, Daniel Baumgardner (Kimberly) of Fluvanna, VA, Samuel Baumgardner of Alexandria, VA and Joshua Baumgardner of Charlottesville, VA and their informally adopted sister, Megan Anaya; two brothers, Troy W. Thorn, Jr. (Debbie) of Fayetteville, WV, and Carl S. Thorn (Denise Bickley) of Statesville, NC; four grandchildren – Kierra Baumgardner, Austin Baumgardner, Logan Baumgardner and Kylee Baumgardner, special niece, Jennifer Sneed (James) and nephew, Troy Thorn, III (Lisa Lambert); grand-nephews and nieces Issaiah, Bethany, Geneva, Waylon Michael and Avah.

The family will have a private viewing, and a Celebration of Donna's Life will be held at Harvest Church of God at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Hospice of the Piedmont - Hospice House, 501 Park Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902.

The Celebration of Donna's Life has been scheduled at Harvest Church of God on Saturday, November 22 at 11 am.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.hillandwood.com.