Donna Spicer Owens

Donna Kay Spicer Owens, recently of Fairlawn, Virginia and formerly of Giles County was born on September 15, 1961, in Giles County, Virginia, and passed away on April 29, 2026, in Roanoke, Virginia, under the care of Roanoke Memorial Hospital, lived a life that truly reflected courage, compassion, and endurance. She was a woman whose presence carried strength, whose words could comfort the weary, and whose spirit inspired everyone fortunate enough to know her. In every season of her life, she showed what it means to keep moving forward with faith, grace, and a determined heart. 

Donna was the beloved wife of Tony Owens, and together they shared a bond built on love, and years of memories that will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew them best. She was a devoted mother to her sons, Travis Riggs and his wife Sarah, and Jonathan Owens and his wife Marlena, and to her daughters, Trista Owens, Stephanie Rupe and her husband Derek, Sharon Crigger, Teresa Brumfield, Kristie Owens, Kimberly Owens, and Tina Freeman and her husband Larry. She was also a proud grandmother to 22 grandchildren and was joyfully anticipating a great-grandchild on the way. 

Her family was one of her greatest blessings, and she loved them deeply, fiercely, and without reservation. She is also survived by her brothers, Gary Spicer, Terry Spicer, and Barry Spicer, along with her sisters-in-law, Carrie Spicer, Karen Delp and her husband Rusty, and Kathy Archer. Donna shared a special and treasured friendship with Jackie Blankenship Dalton, a best friend who was much like a sister, and she leaves behind many other family members and friends whose lives were touched by her kindness and steady love. She was preceded in death by her parents, Arnold Lee Spicer and Edith Jane Stafford; her granddaughter, Emily Donaldson; her brother, Larry Spicer; and her father-in-law and mother-in-law, David and Frances Owens. 

Donna pursued her career in nursing, a reflection of her desire to care for others with skill, heart, and purpose. She devoted many years of service as a CNA for Giles Memorial Hospital and later brought her experience and compassion into hospice and home health care. Caring for others was not simply her work. It was who she was. She had a gift for being present in the hardest moments, offering comfort, having wisdom in her words, strength, and understanding when it was needed most. 

Donna is to be commended for heroism and example she has set for many during her battles, in particular during her war with cancer for more than 20 years, which she fought with remarkable determination. She traveled to Cancer Treatment Centers of America so that she could continue being the caregiver her family needed and continue making memories with the people she loved most. Her life was a powerful testimony to perseverance. She did not merely endure hardship. She faced it with a warrior’s heart, a believer’s hope, and a mother’s love that never gave up. 

Donna enjoyed traveling with special friends whom she loved dearly, and she found joy in the simple pleasures of life, including playing Bingo and slots. Yet what made her extraordinary was not only what she enjoyed, but how she lived. She was courageous, thoughtful, and funny, and those qualities made her unforgettable. She had a way of lifting the room, encouraging others, and reminding people that even in difficult times, there is still room for laughter, love, and purpose. 

The family will receive friends at a time of visitation on Monday, May 4, 2026 from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM in Kendall Funeral Home. A funeral service will be conducted for Donna on Monday, May 4, 2026 at 1:00 PM in Kendall Funeral Home with Pastor Gary Poff officiating. Funeral Services will conclude in Birchlawn Burial Park where she will be laid to rest. A guestbook is available to send condolences to the family by visiting www.kendallfuneralhome.com. The staff of Kendall Funeral Home are honored to serve the Owens family.