Donna Lynne (Dotson) McCraw

Our beloved wife, mother and sister, Donna Lynne Dotson McCraw took her heavenly flight peacefully at her home in Cherry Lane surrounded by family on 26 February 2025.

Donna was born 30 August 1965, in Havre de Grace Maryland to Willie Thurston Dotson and Doris Billings Dotson. Donna grew up in Belcamp, MD until the age of 15 when her family relocated to Sparta, NC in 1980.

Donna's greatest joy came the day she learned she was expecting a child and on 26 February 2004, she gave birth to her son, Riley Clay Billings. He was her greatest joy in life. Donna met her soul mate, Donald Levi McCraw, Jr. in 2015 and married him on 16 July 2016. They shared many happy days together while cruising around in their 1950 Ford Custom Convertible.

Donna started her career in life as a seamstress for Hanes Knitwear after graduating from Alleghany High School. Upon the closing of the factory, Donna was given the opportunity to advance her education in the medical field. She worked at Alleghany Memorial Hospital in the Respiratory Department before receiving her nursing degree. Upon becoming a Registered Nurse, she worked in the Operating Room before becoming employed with Medi-Home as a Hospice Nurse. Donna spent the last 10 years caring and helping families with transitioning from this world. Always showing that big, bright smile of hers, Donna gave from her heart in caring for her patients and their families. Donna has spent the past year battling the disease of cancer herself and fought a hard fight. The disease won on this side, but she became the ultimate winner.

Donna loved nature, sunshine and warm weather, especially spending time at the beach. Collecting shells was a favorite past time. She enjoyed cruising with Don in their 1950 Ford Custom Convertible, whether it was on the Blue Ridge Parkway or hanging out with their friends at the "Cruises." She enjoyed crocheting blankets and doilies. If you were lucky, you have one of these treasures in your collection.

Donna was preceded in death by both her parents, Willie and Doris, who we know welcomed her home.

Donna is survived by her husband, Donald Levi McCraw, Jr. and her son, Riley Clay Billings, both of the home; sister, Theresea Ann Dotson Cole (Larry) of Sparta; nephew, Shane Williams (Toni and Lila); uncle, Elder Kyle Jordan (Judy); special family and friends, Donya Rae Dotson Joines and husband Jimmy, Robin and Jimmy Bugielski; a host of cousins, family members, Medi-Home Hospice family and friends.

Special thank you to the team at Medi-Home Health and Hospice for their dedication and compassion for caring for our loved one during her sickness.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, 1 March 2025 at Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church with Brothers James Woodruff and Ed Hall officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery. No formal visitation will be held. There will be a gathering in the church Fellowship Hall after the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider offering memorial contributions to the Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, PO Box 115, Roaring Gap, NC 28668 or Medi-Home Health and Hospice of Alleghany, PO Box 1287, Sparta, NC 28675.

Thomas Family Funeral Service is honored to be serving the McCraw family. If you wish, online tributes may be extended to the family at www.thomasfamilyfs.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donna Lynne (Dotson) McCraw, please visit our floral store.