March 4, 2025, 82, Goldsboro —
July 9, 1942 – March 4, 2025
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Donna Jaqueline McSherry Phipps. Donna, 82, passed away at her home in the early morning hours of Tuesday, March 4th, 2025, with family by her side. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at 3:00 pm on Sunday, March 9th, 2025, at Evergreen Funeral Home, Cemetery & Cremation’s Chapel in Goldsboro, NC. Donna was a bright, glittery soul and loved to stand out. In honor of her, please wear something bright and colorful, or with glitter.
Donna was born to the late John Edwin McSherry, and the late Genevieve Sanders McSherry on July 9th, 1942, in Littlestown, Pennsylvania. Having been a child of a military veteran, she spent years moving and traveling with her family. She always talked about having lived in the Azores for some time as a little girl. It was one of her favorite places that she lived. She also lived in Henrietta, Texas, in Dayton, Ohio, and in Washington DC.
Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Willie Gray Phipps. Donna and Willie married in 1962, in Goldsboro NC. They spent an amazing 31 years together. After the passing of her husband in 1993, she never remarried. She filled that loss with the love of her children, grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
Donna worked for the Department of Agriculture and later transferred to the Social Security Administration. She retired as a civil service employee in 1979. Donna was a member of Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Goldsboro, NC. She also was a member of the Wayne County Home Extension (Eastern Wayne Club). She served on the board for many years with Wayne County’s Agricultural Fair. Donna was heavily involved for many years with the 4-H programs that taught people how to “learn by doing”. She LOVED her some Elvis and Tom Jones. Donna was an avid crafter and loved to work on anything she could think of in her spare time. For years, she made and painted ceramics, worked with stained glass, and recently, painting with diamonds. As she grew with life, traveling was one of her favorite things, and loved to be at the beach. She also loved having friends and family gather at her pool over the years.
Donna is survived by her two daughters, Paula White and husband, Jimmy White; Stephanie Joell Fitzmorris and husband, Shawn Fitzmorris; along with three grandchildren, Niki Fitzmorris and partner, Zackary Langston; Lauren White and partner, Nicholas Jones; AJ Fitzmorris and fiancée, Noel Garris; and one great-grandchild, Logan White-Scott, son of Lauren White; and her four cats who were her beloved companions: Tiki, Rooster, Tee, and Missy.
The family would personally like to thank 3HC Home Health & Hospice Care for their care and support during her final days.
In Lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Wayne County Animal Shelter and 3HC Home Health and Hospice.
