Donna McClamrock Estes

Donna McClamrock Estes, 67, passed away peacefully on August 06, 2024 at Memorial Hospital in Chattanooga Tennessee, surrounded by family and friends, after a courageous battle with melanoma. She was born on March 27, 1957, in Italy, on a military base to the late Edward McClamrock and Edna Parrish McClamrock Long.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Estes; father, Ed McClamrock; mother, Edna Parrish Long; brothers, Eddie and Jeff McClamrock; and grandparents, Lester and Louise Parrish.
Donna is survived by her son, Joseph "Chris" Frye; her most precious granddaughter, Katie McGhee; her sister, Melanie (Gray) Troxler; nephew, Andrew (Chelsea) Tucker; nieces, Peyton and Piper Troxler; and great niece, Isabella Tucker. She is also survived by her maternal aunts, Frances Clark, Ruth Elliott and Georgie Fritts, as well as a lot of cousins that she was very close to. She also has some of the most beautiful friends who are as close as family, especially Katrina Putman, Darrion, Riley, Bailey and Maddox.
Donna spent her infancy and early childhood in Italy and Spain on military bases, but then her family moved back home to Concord, North Carolina to be close to family. Donna grew up in Concord, attended Kerr Street Baptist Church and graduated as a Spider from Concord High School with academic excellence. She then went on to Gardner Webb University where she graduated Summa Cum Laude with her bachelor's degree in mathematics in 1978. She went on to marry and became a mother. She was a passionate reader and independent learner. Donna always had a passion for learning, which never extinguished. In 2007, Donna earned her associate's degree in healthcare information technology, from Central Piedmont Community College, as the healthcare field was changing. In 2009, she went on to receive her certification as a Six Sigma Green Belt from Villanova University. In 2011, she received her Master of Project Management from Western Carolina University.
Donna worked in the healthcare industry developing production metrics, data accuracy, various research and privacy databases and guidelines assisting in corporate policies and standards to assist with workflow, as well as increase performance measures, until she found her true passion in education. From 2009-2013, she worked as Adjunct Professor at Central Piedmont Community College, while still working in the healthcare field. In 2013, she was blessed with the amazing opportunity to become a Professor/Program Director of Health Information Technology at Georgia Northwestern Technical College until her retirement in 2023.
To know Donna was to love her. Donna was a baseball enthusiast, history buff, and a seeker of always being your best self. She was the most rational, analytical person, but it was her love for the Lord and her walk with Him that guided her every step of the way.
Donna began her walk at Kerr Street (Memorial) Baptist Church in Concord, NC, as a young child. She was active in the GAs and the youth group. Upon her move to LaFayette, she became an active member of Gordon Lake Wesleyan Church. Donna knew her Savior as He walked with her step- by- step through some dark times, as well as all the joyous times in life. Donna's faith has inspired so many others. She was a true inspiration to everyone. Even on her toughest days, she would end conversations with a joke to make sure she lifted your spirits also.
The funeral service will be held on August 17, 2024 at 3:00 pm at Gordon Lake Wesleyan Church with Pastor Ashley Mew officiating. Visitation will be prior to the service, from 1:00 pm until the time of service at the church.
Donna will be laid to rest beside her husband, Charles, at LaFayette City Cemetery following the service.
Pallbearers are Gray Troxler, CW Webb, and Greyson Webb.
Arrangements are by Wallis-Wilbanks Funeral Home, LaFayette.