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Sue Donahoe
1930 - 2023
Sue Donahoe
1930 - 2023
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1930
DIED
2023
Sue Donahoe Obituary
"Momma Sue," as she was affectionately known by the countless souls she touched, was born on March 12, 1930, to the late Jess Clayton Dillon and Esther May Gerhart. She loved Jesus, saltwater taffy, relaxing in the sun, and above all, her people. Throughout her 93 years on Earth, she blessed innumerable lives with the gifts of love, laughter, comfort, refuge, and seemingly infinite kindness. Anyone lucky enough to meet her was better for it. She was a profound example of unconditional love with a giant heart for giving, and her generosity knew no bounds. She, alongside her beloved late husband of 54 years, Dorval "Don" Donahoe, MD, fostered more than 42 children and foreign exchange students throughout their life together. Many of these folks, now grown with children and grandchildren of their own, still call Sue and Don "Mom and Dad" to this very day. Anyone who saw the way they lived their lives witnessed a divine example of true love, not just for one another, but for anyone they welcomed into their family, without an ounce of judgment or expectation.
In addition to her husband and parents, Momma Sue was preceded in death by her son, Ron; her daughter, Julie; her sisters, Phyllis, and Ann; and her brother Jack. She is survived by her cherished daughter, Susie; two sons, Schoch and Juan; her daughter, Donna; two daughters-in-law, Catherine and Lara; seven grandchildren, Aaron, Caleb, Chance, Jesse, Maggie, London, and Brinkley; three great grandchildren, Gabe, Aurora, and Mila; her brother, Joe; close friend and confidant Sandy Redmond; and an abundance of nieces, nephews, and other family and friends who loved and continue to love her so dearly. Her undying legacy of kindness and selflessness lives on through them.
A celebration of life service dedicated to Momma Sue will take place at 12:30 pm on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at River Ridge Church in Hurricane, WV.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
Julia
October 24, 2023
Mama Sue had a way, just a wonderful and natural way of making everyone she encountered feel special. She possessed an abundance of love that she generously poured out into everyone she encountered which meant you always left with a smile after being in her company. Sue was truly a remarkable woman and when thinking of her I think of smiles, laughter, beauty and grace. There needs to be more "Sue" in this world and it is certain the world is a better place because she was in it!
Bobbi S
October 24, 2023
she was the sweetest resident in our whole facility she always had a compliment for u if you were looking your absolute worse she always found the beauty in you somehow ..I'll forever miss that sweet voice
Missy K
October 24, 2023
Sue was a patient of mine at Cabell Healthcare. She was the kindest lady and always had someone nice to say. I would always tease her and tell her that when I grow up I want to be just like her. She will be missed.
Raymond Rushden
October 24, 2023
Sue was Dr Spurlock´s receptionist when I was a kid. She was captivating and beautiful. Made a kid feel comfortable in a doctors office, though only 16 years older than me.
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Sandy and Jerry Chapman
October 23, 2023
I will forever remember her sweet voice and beautiful smile. I first met Sue at a community event at the Memorial Field House after 911. She and her sweet husband had come to hear Lara and I perform at a musical performance we did with zthe River Cities Jazz Ensamble . We wanted to to try to raise the spirits of those in the community. She looked so elegant as she always looked every time I saw her after that. She just poured her love and sunshine on everyone around her. Many years later I had the privilege of meeting her at Cabell Health Care Center
She and my father became friends as well . THey were named King and Queene on Valentine's day. Sue would check on my father every day. He looked forward to their visits and conversations. After my father passed. my husband and I would visit her when we could and take her little gifts and a caramel frappes from Mc Donald's. Sue was so easy to make happy. I don't think she ever realized how much joy she brought to others. She will forever have a special place in our hearts. I always call her Sweet Sue. I want to meet her again in heaven one day. I so look forward to seeing that smile again. Love you Sweet Sue
Amanda Burress
October 23, 2023
My very first memory of momma Sue was when I was introduced to her by her niece and she accepted me and treated me like I had always been in the family, like I was a part of the family. She was one of the sweetest, loving, caring souls I´ve ever met in my entire life! She thought of my son as a grandson of her own. Never treated us any different from the others! She was one of the best women ever in my life and I will forever cherish all the memories and times I got to spend with with her! Fly high with Don and Julie momma, I´m sure they were excited to see you enter into the gates of heaven!
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