DONNA JOYCE GOTHARD

Donna Joyce Gothard, aged 51, of Vance, AL passed away on March 26, 2025, at the University of Florida Shands Hospital in Gainesville, FL. Born on November 10, 1973, Donna was a beacon of love and faith throughout her life. Donna was known for her ability to light up any room and her profound faith in God. She cherished her family deeply, including her husband Sam, her son Austin, and her granddaughters Kerighan Hembree and Wriglee Shoemaker. She was lovingly supported by her parents-in-love, Perry and Dorothy, and had a special bond with her brother, affectionately known as Bubba, and her many nieces and nephews. Her early education took place at North Highlands Elementary and Hueytown High School, laying a foundation for a life filled with love and service to others. Later, Donna attended the University of Pheonix obtaining her associates degree in business. She attended Blocton Third Baptist Church in West Blocton, Donna was passionate about sharing the Gospel and her faith. She believed in living her faith as a testament to others, often saying, "You may be the only bible some people ever read." Donna's hobbies and interests mirrored her loving and giving nature. The beach was her sanctuary, a place where she felt happiest. Her creativity was boundless, often crafting and sharing her talents with loved ones. She enjoyed cooking for her husband, teaching her grandchildren the joy of culinary arts, and gathering friends and family for bonfires, camping trips, fishing, hunting and card games. Donna is survived by her husband, Sam; son, Austin; granddaughters, Kerighan and Wriglee; parents-in-love, Perry and Dorothy; brothers, Levis Green and Tony West; nephews, Michael (Mika), Daniel, Adam (Victoria), Blake, Taylor (Catherine), Chris; niece, Jodie (Jesse); and numerous beloved family members and friends. Her lifelong friends she claimed as sisters Paula Crawford, Melissa Goggins. And her special friends Jeremy (LeAnna) Cochran and Jason (Tracy) Reid. She was preceded in death by her son, Samuel Perry Gothard Jr. (P.J.), her parents, Ralph Donald West and Norma Joyce West, her brother, Dwayne West, her sister, Lisa Green Bush, her nephew, Robert Bush (Buddy), and her special friend, Kelli Lynn Smith. Donna's life was a testament to her loving nature and her enduring faith. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Psalm 46:10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” The visitation will be from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, Thursday, April 3, 2025, at Peoples chapel Funeral Home. The funeral service will be at 2:00 PM, Friday, April 4, 2025, at the Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Daniel Cemetery 102 Daniell Circle, West Blocton, AL 35184 The family asks in lieu of flowers, that donations be made to Gideons.org for bibles in memory of Donna Gothard.