Dona Wheeling Smith

Dona Wheeling Smith, of Roanoke, entered the gates of Glory on July 22, 2010. She was born on August 26, 1944 to Fred and Catherine Wheeling in Brooklyn, NY. Dona is predeceased by her parents, by her brother Dennis Gussie Wheeling, and by a half- brother, James Carroll. Dona is survived by her husband of 37 years, Rodney M. Smith. She is also survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Marycatherine and James Cecil, Jr.; granddaughter-by-marriage, Hannah Grace Cecil; and was waiting the arrival of a new grandbaby in the winter. She is also survived by her brothers, Danny (Jean) Wheeling, Duane (Katie) Wheeling, and sister, Deborah Wheeling and by her nieces and nephews. Dona was a 1962 graduate of Andrew Lewis High School and received her R.N. in 1964 from Jefferson School of Nursing. She also obtained her associates degree from Virginia Western. Dona was a compassionate and loving nurse. She often talked about her days as a student nurse. Dona was a healer. She took care of animals as a little girl and she grew up to be a very nurturing and giving wife and mother. She will be remembered for her selflessness, her quick wit, her healing touch, and her one-of-a-kind laughter! The Cecil and Wheeling families would like to thank the staff of 2 West Memory Care at Friendship Manor for their tender loving care of Dona for the past two years as she battled Alzheimers. Thank you all for your love and support. To everyone who had a pleasure to know her, she was a special and unforgettable lady. A memorial service will be conducted at 1 PM on Saturday, July 24, 2010 in the chapel of John M. Oakey & Son, Salem with the Reverend ErmaJean Hudgins officiating. The family will receive friends on Friday, July 23, 2010 fro 6 to 8 at John M. Oakey & Son.