In Loving Memory of Donna Jean Smith

Donna Jean Smith 67, of Charleston, West Virginia, passed away peacefully at Thomas Memorial Hospital after a short but courageous battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her loving family, just as she always wanted to be.

We would like to thank John, Jenny and Troy the wonderful nurses that showed our mother such passionate care.

Donna was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Smith, and her lifelong friend and former husband, Rick Thomas. She also reunites in peace with her mother Juanita Javins, father James Javins, sister Janice Wiseman, brothers Eddie Javins, Paul Nickson,  Larry Javins , Ricky Javins ,  and her two cherished dogs, Spud and Girly, who were never far from her side.

She leaves behind a family who adored her endlessly: her two daughters, who were her entire world, Sheila Phelps (and husband Thomas Phelps) and Tiffany Thomas, Step son David Smith, and wife Jeanie  along with her devoted dog Prince, and her cats Lilly and Pumpkin. Donna is also survived by her loving sisters: Ruth Mazzie, Gaye Wiseman (and husband Eddie Wiseman), and Wanta Montague and her brother Jamie Javins.

Her joy was multiplied through her grandchildren, Breanna Shaffer (and husband Luke), Cody Hinzman (and wife Hannah), Destiny Lattea (and fiancé Anthony Facemyer), Dakota Lattea, and Khloei Lattea—and several great-grandchildren who brought endless smiles and warmth to her heart. And several nieces and nephews that she loved dearly .

To know Donna was to love her. She was the life of the party, lighting up every room with her quick wit, infectious laugh, and spontaneous humor that could turn even the toughest days into something bearable. She had a unique gift for making people feel welcome, valued, and deeply loved.

Whether it was a planned family celebration or an impromptu cookout, Donna cherished every moment spent with her family. Her love was constant, her presence unforgettable. She was always giving — to her loved ones, to her pets, and to causes close to her heart. She was a regular supporter of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, always finding ways to help those in need.

"Don't cry," she would say. "Laugh at all the memories I made." That was her wish — and we are trying, Mom, we truly are. Your laughter still echoes in our hearts, and your love remains our guiding light.

In honor of Donna's memory, donations can be made to any cancer foundation or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital — causes she held dear.

A service honoring Donna's life will be held 1:00PM, Friday October 17th, 2025, at Long and Fisher Funeral Home. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Floral Hills Garden of Memories, Sissonville, WV.