Virginia "Ginger" Sloan Donahue

Virginia “Ginger” Sloan Donahue, age 92, beloved wife of the late Clarence Eugene Donahue, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2025 at the Gordon Hospice House in Statesville, NC, after a courageous seven-year battle with dementia. Born on January 23, 1933, Ginger was a daughter of the late Wade and Annie Martin Sloan. Being one of six girls, Ginger grew up in a close-knit family and graduated from Central High School in 1951. Years later, she furthered her education at Central Piedmont Community College and worked as a school cafeteria manager, a role that perfectly suited her caring heart and love of feeding others, both body and soul. Ginger dedicated over 25 years to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools before retiring. Ginger was also an active and devoted member of Pisgah Methodist Church in Hiddenite, NC where she lived out her faith through quiet service and kindness. Known for her warmth, wit, and generous spirit, Ginger had a gift for bringing joy to those around her. Her pound cake was a signature treat shared with many and her home was always a place of welcome and comfort. Before entering public work, she babysat dozens of children over the years, all of whom she loved as her own. She was a “second mom” to many. Ginger was a natural hostess and an example of grace and hospitality. Her gift was making people feel at home, no matter where they came from or what they needed. Like her own mother, Ginger had a fondness for zinnias and delighted in their beauty. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her daughter-in-law, Becky Donahue; grandson, Wade Donahue; sisters, Yvonne Gibson (Jack), Ruby McLain (“Babe”), and Katherine Sprinkle (Haskell); and brother-in-law, Don Ziglar. Ginger’s legacy lives on through her five children: Dr. Michael Donahue (Susan) of Lenoir, Rev. Cecil Donahue (Anne) of Greensboro, Dale Donahue (LeAnn) of North Myrtle Beach, Brenda D. Siniard (Lee) of Hiddenite, and Robin D. Lambe (Joe) of Kannapolis. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren — Paul (Katie), Thomas, Riley (Jenica), Ashley (Shane), Brandi (Chad), Dustin (Jeni), Alli (Brett), Taylor, Melanie (Shea), Caleb (Mary), Justin (Courtney), Shane (Kirsten), and Ciara — and 20 great-grandchildren. Her sisters, Linda Ziglar and Susan Raymer (Ray), along with numerous nieces and nephews, also mourn her passing and celebrate her life. The Donahue family would like to acknowledge Iredell County Hospice and Palliative Care for their excellent services provided to Ginger and her family during recent months. The supportive compassionate care they received at the Gordon House was extraordinary. A visitation will be held at Pisgah Methodist Church on Saturday, August 2, 2025 at 10:00 AM, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM, officiated by Reverend Matt Harrold. Chapman Funeral Home of Stony Point is serving the Donahue family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Pisgah Methodist Church Building Fund (488 Hill Farm Road, Hiddenite, NC 28678) - a place that meant so much to Ginger throughout her life, and to Gordon Hospice House of Statesville (https://apps.hoic.org/donate-now).

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Virginia "Ginger" Sloan Donahue

January 23, 1933 - July 30, 2025