Donna Jean Byrd

Donna Jean Byrd, 70, of Burlington, NC passed away peacefully on January 6, 2026. Donna was born to Harry and Jean Byrd in Raleigh, NC and raised in Lady Smith, Virginia. Donna and her family moved to Costa Rica when she was 10 years old for her parents to attend Spanish language school as they prepared for missionary work. When she was 11, her family moved to Guatemala City, Guatemala for her parents to serve as missionaries. She soon developed a strong love for the Guatemalan people and culture. She loved the climate, the slow pace of life, and how kind and courteous the people were. She moved back to the United States in 1973 to attend Campbell College where she studied sociology. She worked in the admissions office, cafeteria, and library during her time there.

After graduating from college, Donna worked for the North Carolina Department of Revenue for a brief time and then spent the remainder of her career working for Disability Determination Services as a disability specialist. She often shared that the best years of her life were the four years she spent with her two girls as a stay-at-home Mom.

Donna was a devoted member of Trinity Baptist Church in Raleigh, NC for over 30 years where she served as a children's Sunday school teacher and was an active member of the choir. She enjoyed participating in Bible studies and mission studies. She was there any time the doors were open and loved her church family dearly. Donna moved to Burlington, NC in 2020 to be closer to her youngest daughter and grandsons.

Donna was known for her strong faith, positive attitude, and gentle, selfless, caring personality. She was a loving mother and grandmother. Her pride and joy were her kids and grandkids. Donna was the type of person that would give the shirt off her back to anyone in need. She was very humble and wise- always putting others first. She had a gift for making others feel loved through her kind words, listening ear, and sweet presence. She will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved her.

Donna is survived by her two daughters, Virginia Wendehorst and granddaughter Gia of Kapolei, Hawaii, and Caroline Chelemer, her husband Danny Chelemer and grandsons Callan and Carson of Burlington, NC. Donna is also survived by her sister, Denise Shaver (Gary Shaver) of Roxboro, NC, brother, Harry Emerson Byrd, Jr. (Dorcas Byrd) of Springfield, VA, and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and beloved friends.

Donna is preceded in death by her father, Harry Emerson Byrd, Sr. and mother, Patricia Jean Byrd.

Funeral Arrangements:

Viewing and visitation with the family will be Monday, January 12th, at 1 pm followed by a funeral service at 2 pm at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, 1288 Mt Pisgah Baptist Church Rd., Apex, NC 27523.

Memorial Contributions:

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following charities that held a special place in Donna's heart:

Bread of Life Food Pantry at Harvest Baptist Church- Burlington, NC

Meals On Wheels of Alamance County

The family would like to express their appreciation to White Oak Manor Burlington and to Authoracare Hospice of Burlington for their loving support and care.