Donna Lee Sours (nee Smith) passed away on March 6, 2024, at the age of 78 years, in the care of Shenandoah Senior Living.

Donna Lee Sours

Donna was born in Frostburg, MD, on January 18, 1946, and was the daughter of the late Rev. and Mrs. Luther G. Smith.

Donna is the beloved wife of Burton O. Sours “Burt” of Toms Brook, VA, who, along with her daughter, Cheryl “Sherri” Lee Smedley, dedicated their time and energy to Donna’s care and comfort throughout a lengthy illness.

A 1964 graduate of Beall High School in Frostburg, MD, Donna soon married Theodore J. Minnick “Ted.” They were the parents of two daughters, Sherri and Missi (Melissa Dawn Magalis).

A long-time employee of Warren County, VA administrative government offices, Donna met her second husband, Robert J. Jett of Front Royal.  Following Bobby’s passing, Donna met and married Burt Sours in 2006.

A long-time and dedicated member of the Riverton Church in Front Royal, Donna was faithful and committed to her Christian beliefs and upbringing.  Her faith in God sustained her through many difficult life circumstances.

Donna was an avid reader and enjoyed the craft of crocheting.  She frequently produced and donated handmade items and resources to those less fortunate than her.  She was known for generosity to family, friends, and unknown individuals.  Among Donna’s passions were babies; never did she meet a child whom she did not affectionately greet and exchange accolades of joy.

In addition to Burt and Sherri, survivors of Donna’s passing are Sherri’s husband, Wayne Smedley of Strasburg, VA, and their daughter, Whitney.  Holly Anne, the oldest of the Smedley’s two children, died in 2014.   Donna’s daughter, Missi, passed away in 2019 and is survived by her husband, Kahle Magalis of Front Royal, and their three children, Brooke (Matt), Robin (Max), and Lane (Michael).

One sibling, Luther “Bud” G. Smith, Jr., and his life partner, Jon Paul, of Cincinnati, OH, are survivors of Donna’s passing.  Affectionately, Donna and Luther referred to one another as “Sister Belle” and “Brother Louie.”

Donna was fortunate to have a blended family, including Burt’s four children and their spouses, including Cheri and Joe Compton (Rixeyville, VA), Cathy and Johnny Payne (Tampa, FL), Christi and Tom McGrane (Lake Okeechobee, FL), and Sam and Darlene Sours (Erie, CO).  There are seven surviving step-grandchildren and three step-great-grandchildren.

Family night will be held on Thursday, March 14, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Maddox Funeral Home, 105 West Main Street, Front Royal, VA 22630.  The funeral will be held on Friday, March 15, at 2:00 p.m. at Riverton Church, with the Rev. Marc Roberson presiding.  Burial will occur immediately following the service in Panorama Memorial Gardens.

Greatly loved and missed by family and many friends, Donna remains in our thoughts and memories.  She positively impacted this life, and her legacies will live on.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 West Cork Street, Winchester, VA 22601.