Donna Sue Gilkerson died peacefully after a short illness on January 1, 2023, in Stuart, FL.  She was born Donna Sue Finley in the rolling hills of West Virginia in a small country town known as Nestlow in the county of Wayne.  Delivered prematurely by the hands of her maternal grandmother, Hulda, her first night on earth was spent in a hand-made incubator made of wood and warm stones next to her mother Ruth Finley.  She spent most of her childhood there and later would regale those who loved her with stories of home and hearth.

In later years, her mother Ruth moved her and her two younger brothers Garry and Danny, to the larger city of Huntington, West Virginia where she met the love of her life, Paul Gilkerson, who she married on December 28, 1957. They had one child, a daughter, Deena Ruth Gilkerson Beckett.  They remained married for over 51 years until his death in 2008.

While living in West Virginia, Donna, along with her husband, raised her daughter, worked for Marshall University, and was an active member of the community in a variety of ways including membership in a social sorority.

Donna and Paul moved to Okeechobee, Florida in the early 80's after he became disabled with a heart condition where they would remain until his death in 2008.  While living in Okeechobee, Donna was a rural mail carrier for the United States Postal Service where she was named Rural Carrier of the year in 2005.

After retiring from the Post Office in 2010 she moved in with her daughter, Deena where they shared years of love, storytelling, travel, and spending time with their beloved dogs.  She was an active member of the Kane Center Adult Day Club where she spent many days with friends there.  She loved it and will be missed by her fellow Club Members and the staff.

Donna was a beautiful woman inside and out, who will be remembered for her kind heart, gentle personality, amazing ability to tell stories, and her humor.  She was beloved by all who knew her.

She was predeceased by her husband Paul, her mother Ruth, and all her siblings, Authelia McKee, Delmas Davidson, Jim Davidson, Garry Finley, and Danny Finley. Because she was so loving and close to them, she was also predeceased by siblings-in-law, Gwen White, Myra Brumfield, and Jack and Nancy Gilkerson.

She leaves behind so many who love her dearly including her beloved daughter, Deena Ruth Gilkerson Beckett, her sisters-in-laws, Yvonne Barton, Jayne Cheetham, Annette Finley, and Betty Davidson, a brother-in-law Drew Gilkerson and an adopted granddaughter, Erin 'Finley' Prieto, a boatload of amazing friends and scores of nieces and nephews. Finally, because she would want you to know, she also is survived by her 5 dogs including her sweet Cocker Spaniel, Blue.

A celebration of life will be held at the Jensen Beach Christian Church on March 11, 2023 at 2:00 pm. Donna just loved her little church in Jensen Beach so in lieu of flowers we ask for donations to be made in her name there.  The address is 1890 Church Street, Jensen Beach, FL  34957, and the phone number is 772-334-4251.

Hugs and much love to all who knew and loved her.  She loved each one of you so very much.

Please feel free to share a remembrance or message of condolence with the family through this online guestbook.