Donna Jean Deshaies

December 8, 2016

Donna Jean Deshaies, 71, died peacefully at Levine & Dickson Hospice House in Huntersville, NC on December 8, 2016, with her beloved husband by her side as well as long time friend Kathy Schaefer Moomey. Her death followed a five year battle with breast cancer.

Donna Jean was born in Manhattan, NY at Beth Israel Hospital, daughter of Milton Smith and Mary Anice Fording, on June 19th 1945. She graduated from Ft. Lauderdale High School, and attended Texas Christian University, Florida State Univ. and later graduated from Montreat College.

Donna Jean worked as a flight attendant for TWA starting in 1966. She also worked as a Private Investigator in Los Angeles with CPP Pinkerton’s Inc.  In Charlotte, Donna Jean worked for 20 years for BB&T Insurance Services McPhail Bray and retired April 30th 2015.  

Donna Jean had a baby at age 18 and gave her up for adoption to the Children's Home Society of Ft. Lauderdale.  After coming to Charlotte, Donna Jean later met her husband Ron a singles dance and the two were married November 7th 1992.  Donna shared with Ron that she wanted to look for her daughter and weeks later, found Tracy and enjoyed a beautiful relationship with her for 20 plus years until this year when Tracy suddenly passed at the age of 51. Tracy and her husband Duane became family.  

Donna Jean and Ron’s marriage of 24 years and was a true love story. Donna Jean truly cared about others, and she loved her neighbor as herself with a long list of good friends and good deeds. Donna Jean and Ron loved to travel and in 2016 alone traveled to six continents.  They enjoyed cruising as well as three trips to Africa on game safaris. 

Donna Jean had a passion for helping dogs and volunteered with the Humane Society of Charlotte along and also volunteered with Hospice of Charlotte. 

Donna Jean is survived by her husband, Ron Joseph Deshaies, niece Keri Nutig, Ron’s mother Evelyn Deshaies and Duane Butson Tracy’s husband.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 15th, 2016 at the First Baptist Church, 301 S. Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28202 (704) 375-1446.  Visitation will be before the service beginning at 1:00 pm. A service will follow at Gethsemane Cemetery and Memorial Gardens at 1504 W.Sugar Creek Rd, Charlotte, NC 28262 (704) 596-5417. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Donna Jean Deshaies name can be made to Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte, 1613 E. Morehead Street, Charlotte, NC 28207 | 704.335.1191 or Humane Society of Charlotte, 2700 Toomey Ave, Charlotte, NC 28203 (704) 377-0534. 

Arrangements in the care of Kenneth Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave Charlotte NC 28204. Phone: 704 641-7606

Online condolences at www.kennethpoeservices.com  Cards can be sent to 710 Bellows Lane, Charlotte, NC 28270

 

Share your memories & condolences

Comments

  • Laura Dagenhart

    I still cannot believe that Donna Jean is gone. She always planned such great things whenever there was an event coming up

    Short URL:
  • Don

    Beautiful inside and out. Will truly be missed. Praying for Ron and all of her loved ones. May God may heal and comfort you all.

    Short URL:
  • Kathleen Moomey

    The world will miss your compassion and your smile. You touched so many lives and left them for the better. Love you Donna Jean.

    Short URL:
  • PAUL DESHAIES

    A lovely lady with a quick smile to brighten one's day.

    Short URL:
  • Shelle

    You will forever be greatly missed. Remember when I started at BB&T MCPHAIL BRAY you were the first to introduce yourself and were so nice , took the time to make sure I knew of everyone etc. Supported my children thru their school days. We clicked because we were huge on family. We became friends and will always be friends. "LOVE YOU DONNA "
    SHELLE.

    Short URL:
  • Bridget & Barry Brush

    Remembering Donna Jean and all the ways her life touched so many. Donna Jean worked very hard enjoying two professional careers as well as working with you Ron. Donna Jean made life more joyful for lots of people. We will always remember the smiles she brought to everyone around her. Pray that your TREASURED memories of Donna Jean will keep you strong. Our faith love and support are here for you Ron... today and always. Gods Peace to you.

    Short URL:
  • Kathy Fruendt & Family

    We will all miss you Donna, our dear neighbor, friend and "aunt". Your smile and laugh always lit up the room and created a fun, happy environment for everyone around.
    You may be gone for now, but not forgotten and we look forward to seeing you again in our heavenly home.

    Short URL:
  • Patrricia Soule

    So blessed that your laughter and kindness were a part of my life. Love you Dona Jean. God took you from us way too soon.

    Short URL:
  • Carol Mordensky

    I will always/ remember your great smile, your greeting me on my first day at McPhail Bray/BB&T and our 19 yr friendship with the "lunch bunch" . Rest in peace dear friend, and enjoy the "heavenly" patty melts and choc eclairs Ron, she could not have had a more loving, caring husband. our thoughts and prayers are with you.

    Short URL:
  • Shannon Colley

    Beautiful obituary for a beautiful woman. Sending Neil and I's warmest thoughts and prayers to Ron and his family at this difficult time. We are thinking about you.

    Short URL:
Load More