Donna Gayle Venable

In His infinite wisdom the Lord welcomed Donna into her eternal reward of comfort, joy, and peace on November 7, 2024. Donna was the second of four children born to the late Deacons Mary and Benjamin Spencer, Sr. Born in the Almagro section of Danville, VA, Donna received her primary school education in the Richmond, VA public school system where she graduated from the John Marshall High School as Salutatorian in 1973. Fueled by a commitment to children and uplifting her community, she prepared for a career in education at the College of William and Mary and the University of Virginia where she received an undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education. She later received a Masters Degree in Education from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). It was also at VCU that Donna became a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, which introduced her to community service and expanded her joy in sisterhood. Donna had a fruitful career as an interventionist, special education advocate, and administrator. She adored the children and families she served and was particularly insistent on helping those who needed it the most. Initially she worked in the Fluvanna County School System, and the Department of Juvenile Justice. Her lengthy tenure in public service was primarily spent serving in the Chesterfield County School System with leadership positions in Head Start, Assistant Principal of W.W. Gordon Elementary School, and Principal of Hopkins Road Elementary School where she retired. In addition to her commitment to children and families, Donna always felt a strong call to serve God and her community. After many years as a member of Mt. Tabor Baptist Church, she went on to serve at First Baptist Midlothian, First Baptist Centralia, Bon Air Baptist Church Midlothian and most recently, Donna led the Women’s Ministry at New Elam Baptist Church of New Kent County, VA as the First Lady supporting her husband Les in his Pastorate. Donna’s reverence to the Word of God also included her ritual of daily prayer and study. Throughout her life, people were instantly drawn to Donna. She had a special gift for connecting with people at a very deep and personal level. Donna also had a big heart. She received many letters and cards from people such as this one which encompasses her professionally as well as personally: "I see a woman who has passion for her job as well as for her co-workers. She does her job with poise and confidence. She is gentle but firm when necessary. She listens to gain understanding. She is sympathetic to all our needs, whether we are a co-worker, a parent or one of the children. She is loyal and trustworthy to all, and if she ever has a bad day you would have to look hard to notice as she never loses control. She is someone we can all learn from, a great leader, boss and friend. We are all blessed that she came into our lives." Donna was always encouraging and inspiring others to expand their horizons, making them feel loved and important while she did it. She was an incredibly devoted wife, mother and grandmother, sister, daughter, and friend who was always concerned for the betterment of others. She was a lifelong learner, which included a long history of daily viewing of Jeopardy and competing alongside both the contestants and whomever was watching with her. As both her children and her husband Les know well, she wasn’t shy about celebrating her correct answers! Donna was a wonderful baker and enjoyed exercising at several different gyms over the years, especially boxing at Apex Physical therapy where she had many friends. Among her great joys were welcoming the sunrise and sunset daily as well as weekly trips to Dairy Queen. She adored trips to the beach and was always up for a game of putt-putt, scrabble, or words with friends. Above all Donna loved God, her husband, her family, and her Virginia Cavaliers. Wahoowa! Preceding Donna in death were her parents Deacon Benjamin L. Spencer, Deacon Mary N. Spencer, and brother Benjamin L. Spencer Jr. Memories of Donna’s remarkable life will be cherished by her devoted husband of 24 years, Rev. Les C. Venable and her large, loving family: son, Eric S. Cooper, Sr. (Laila) of Oakton, VA; daughter Michelle Grayson (Brett) of San Francisco, CA; stepsons Malcolm Venable of Los Angeles, CA and Martin Venable of Newport News, VA; grandchildren Emera S. Cooper, Eric S. Cooper, Jr., Elijah S. Cooper, and Kason G. Venable; sisters Cynthia S. Hampton (Shelby), Michele “Mikki” Spencer, sister-in-law Lavern Berry (Waynard); nieces Leslie Berry and Kathryn Bowman; lifelong cherished friends Gloria Hinton and Christa Coleman; bonus daughter Amber Hawker, and a host of cousins and friends. In lieu of flowers please consider making contributions to The Peter Paul Development Center at 1708 N. 22nd St. Richmond, Virginia 23223.using this link : https://peterpaulrva.org/get-involved/donate/ They will be greatly appreciated.

Tributes

Donna Gayle Venable

February 14, 1955 - November 7, 2024