Donna Morris Shifflett

Donna Shifflett of Dyke, Virginia, a devoted wife, the best mama, and an adoring nana, passed away peacefully on December 12, 2023, at the age of 63. Born on September 5, 1960, Donna was the oldest of five children of Donald Morris and Lucille Shifflett. Her siblings who survive her are Debbie Morris (David Bruce), Donald Wayne Morris (Wendy), Doris Snow (Phillip), and Danny Morris (Cynthia). Preceded in death by her father and her Uncle Wellman (Madeline), Donna leaves behind her husband of 45 years, Tony Shifflett; their three children, Anthony Shifflett (Mandy), Kenton Shifflett (Beth), and Sarah James (Adam); her mom, Lucille Shifflett (Harmon); stepmother, Carolyn Morris; her siblings; and stepsiblings. She also leaves behind six grandchildren: Hunter Shifflett (Caryn Wheeler), Wyatt Shifflett, Nathan Shifflett, Lucy James, Kaleb Shifflett, and Isaac James, as well as a very special uncle, Jimmy Morris (Betty), sister and brother-in-law Steve Shifflett and Sue Morris (Doug), and too many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends to count. Donna loved Tony more than life. They started dating when Donna was 16 and married a month after she turned 18. She recently told Tony that she'd had a crush on him since she was 11 or 12 years old. Throughout their marriage, she helped run their family businesses, first the Dyke Store, then Dyke Archery, and later Rangeland. They both shared a love of American history and enjoyed visiting museums and historical attractions. After Donna retired, they traveled often and made many unforgettable memories. You would not have Tony if there was no Donna - she was his rock, his safe place, his North Star. Donna was a passionate educator who dedicated her life to teaching after going back to school while raising three children. Her commitment to fostering curiosity left a mark on her students, who many remember as the one who taught them to write a check. She and her daughter started the fourth grade together at Nathanael Greene Elementary School - Donna as teacher, Sarah as a student. She moved to Ruckersville Elementary School when it opened, where she started a STEM program, which ended up being her true calling as a teacher. Through all of her years of work, school, and teaching, she never missed a ball game or school event. She was her kids' biggest cheerleader, fan, advocate, and friend. She was a proud graduate of Piedmont Virginia Community College and the University of Virginia with an Associate's Degree (PVCC), Bachelor's Degree (UVA), and Master's Degree (UVA.) She won many awards with a local favorite being one of the 2019 Distinguished Dozen for the Daily Progress. Donna was an active member of Evergreen Church of the Brethren. Her faith was strong, and she devoted her time and energy to her church family for many years. She told countless Children's Stories, and she taught Sunday School beginning when she was a teenager. Donna will be remembered for her delicious cooking, love of education, faith, and obsession with a good yard sale. She never met a Goodwill she didn't like...except that one in Florida because it was too expensive. (Lucy says she still bought stuff, so she really did still like it even if she didn't admit it.) She leaves behind a legacy in the hearts (and stomachs) of her family, friends, and the countless students she influenced throughout her life. Her memory will live on through the lives she touched, and her spirit will continue to inspire generations to come. The family would like to thank her Evergreen Church of the Brethren family, Dr. Linda Duska and her care team at the University of Virginia, as well as the Hospice of the Piedmont. A graveside service for Donna will be held on Friday, December 22, 2023, at 1 p.m. at the Evergreen Church of the Brethren Cemetery, with Pastor Brian Robinson officiating. A meal will follow at the Dyke Firehouse. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her memory to Evergreen Church of the Brethren. An online guestbook is available at www.compassionatecremationva.com Compassionate Cremation Services of Ruckersville, VA is handling the arrangements.

Donna Morris Shifflett

September 5, 1960 - December 12, 2023