Donna Kay Malone, 72, of Newport News, Virginia, passed away on November 22, 2025, due to organ failure and complications stemming from a car accident. Born on July 26, 1953, in Harlan County, Kentucky, Donna lived a life defined by warmth, determination, and an unwavering commitment to caring for others.

Donna's journey in medicine began humbly, as a volunteer Candy Striper, and from that early spark grew a remarkable career. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and went on to teach nursing at a vocational school in Florida. Never one to stop learning, she earned a Master's Degree in Hospital Administration and rose to the level of hospital Vice President. But Donna missed the thing that mattered most to her: patient care. So at 40 years old, she went back to school to become a Nurse Practitioner, and it was there that she found her true calling. Her patients adored her, often calling her "Doctor Donna," a nickname she wore with pride. She worked overseas in Germany, where she ran a dependent care clinic, and back in the states she worked alongside a very successful spine surgeon. Her life changed forever when she was the victim of a violent car crash, which triggered autoimmune complications that slowly caused multiple organ damage.

Beyond her professional life, Donna was bright, caring, and blessed with a warm, radiant smile that could light up any room. She had a creative spirit and loved quilting, adult coloring books, art crafts, and jewelry making. She and her husband, Frank, shared a love of travel, exploring 26 countries across Europe together, making memories that filled their lives with joy and adventure.

Donna was preceded in death by her mother, Lillian Etheridge Hampton, and her sister, Dianne Hampton Mercado and her father Arthur O. Hampton. She is survived by her devoted husband, Frank G. Malone; and her brother, Arthur Hampton Jr.

Donna's faith carried her through life's greatest challenges, and we take comfort in knowing she now rests peacefully in the arms of the Lord she loved.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at  Peninsula Memorial Park on Warwick Boulevard in Newport News. The service will take place in the Mausoleum Chapel, located next to the office. All who knew and loved Donna are welcome to gather and celebrate a life so beautifully lived.

Arrangements by W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home.