Donna S. Millard (April 7,1946 - December 8, 2020) Newport News, Va.

It is with deep sorrow that we share the passing of Donna S. Millard, wife of Jim Millard, mother to Greg and Brian, grandmother to Gracie and Cameron and one of the four Simpkins Sisters. Leaving us all too soon, she passed peacefully in her home with her loving husband Jim and family by her side. She has most assuredly ascended to a place of rest and peace in the arms of her God and Savior.

While we are saddened with grief, we celebrate Donna's strength, resilience and determination that she demonstrated all her life and in every aspect, including how she faced Parkinson's Disease for six years.

Donna knew her own mind at an early age, deciding to leave college and West Virginia, where she was born, to chart a new course for her life. She came to Newport News in 1966 and began a journey that included meeting her soul mate and husband of 53 years, Jim Millard. She worked challenging jobs and raised two very active boys, all while making and maintaining a beautiful home, serving amazing home cooked meals—to be eaten together as a family at the table—everyday. Donna loved nothing better than working in her kitchen. Cooking was a passion and one of the ways she shared her love. Donna would always load coolers full of favorites to take wherever she went to visit.

Donna's work life included teaching preschoolers at First Church, allowing her to match the boys' school schedule. She was a caring and gentle teacher, but as was her way, these children were there to learn not just play. Dominion Power came next and her job responsibilities grew during her tenure there including a leadership role in a reorganization. Not one to let moss grow under her feet, Donna moved on to the Community Services Board of the Peninsula where she enjoyed challenging work for 14 years before retiring.

Retirement meant that Donna was free to take care of her precious granddaughter, Gracie, through her toddler years until middle school. She was a fun Mamaw, but a task master for early learning and homework in the afternoons. She cherished the opportunity to take Gracie and her brother Cameron to and from school, engaging them in conversations and having that little extra time with them by herself. She rarely missed a school event or program, seeing only her Gracie Girl on any stage.

Vacations for Donna usually meant being with family. She took the boys to her home in WV for weeks in the summer when they were young, connecting with her parents and large extended family. She loved getting to know and becoming a member of the Millard family whether just a drop in visit or one of their many large family gatherings—where her special potato salad was always in demand.

Donna especially loved Sisters' Time. As often as possible throughout the years, she, Georgia, Cathy and Emily gathered at each other's homes for time together. The gut-busting laughter, occasional tears, cooking, sharing secrets and soul-searching talks were some of her best restorative vacations. As she was always the boss sister, she became their Momma Donna.

Everyone who knew Donna, knew of her love for Jesus and her faithful Christian journey. Liberty Baptist, and her church family, has been a very integral part of her life since 1999. There she was again drawn to the children and volunteered for Nursery and Vacation Bible School for many years. She has been a devoted and active member of her Connect Group whose members have been a spiritual resource, Bible Study Group and true brothers and sisters in Christ.

Along with Donna's devoted husband, Jim, Donna is survived by her son Gregory and his wife Kim, grandchildren Gracie and Cameron; sisters Georgia Davis (John), Cathy Damron (Dennis), Emily Miles (Jack); brothers-in-law Jerry (Donna), Donald (Pam), Steve (Laura); sisters-in-law Louise Higley (Glenn), Diane Gossett and Angie Thomas (Billy). Her many nieces and nephews will love and miss her always. Those who have gone before her include her beloved son Brian, her parents, Stewart and Maude Simpkins and her niece Lauren Damron.

The family is deeply grateful to all the many family members and friends who have provided support. They want to especially thank the members of their Connect Group, Terry Jordon, and Riverside Hospice staff Kenyana Moses, Melissa Cazales, and Teresa McGee.

Family and friends will gather to celebrate Donna's life and share memories next summer when it is safe to do so. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Peninsula Rescue Mission, 3700 Huntington Ave., Newport News, 23607, to your local chapter of the American Parkinson Disease Association, or to the charity of your choice.