Obituary for Ms. Donna Lynn Burns

Ms. Donna Lynn Burns, age 67, of Dalton, Georgia, peacefully departed this life on Thursday afternoon, January 2, 2025, at NHC HealthCare in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia.

Donna was preceded in death by her loving parents, William Gayle and Della Reece Kinsey, her sister Vivian Beal, and a son who passed away at birth.

She is survived by her daughter, Mandy (James) Ray, with whom Donna shared a special bond. Often told they looked alike, Donna would jokingly reply, "I hope she grows out of it."

She is also survived by her son, Michael (Maddie) Fletcher. Forever her baby boy, Michael brought her immense pride with his achievements. She cherished their coffee dates and long conversations about movies, music, and religion.

Donna's cherished granddaughter, Haley (Cody) McCullough, was her "angel baby," and she loved her "to the moon and back." Her great-granddaughters, Charlotte Lynn McCullough and Layla Leann McCullough, filled her life with boundless joy. Donna often wished she could keep them close forever.

Donna's brother, Richard (Linda) Kinsey, held a special place in her heart as her beloved big brother. She also treasured her "bonus" sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Charlene and David Smith, showing that family is defined by love, not just blood.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the amazing staff at NHC HealthCare in Fort Oglethorpe—Haley, Renee, Brittany, and the wonderful CNAs who cared for Donna with compassion. A special thanks to Caris Hospice for their exceptional support during this time.

Donna requested a celebration of life in lieu of traditional flowers, humorously noting that she "could kill a plastic plant." The family encourages donations to RossWoods Adult Day Services or any organization dedicated to Dementia and Alzheimer's care, affirming Donna's belief that while those with Alzheimer's may forget us, we as a society must never forget them.

A memorial service to celebrate Donna's life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, January 6, 2025, at Ponders Melrose Chapel, officiated by Chaplain Brian Austin. The family will receive friends on Sunday evening, January 5, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Arrangements are entrusted to Ponders Melrose Chapel, 138 Melrose Drive, Dalton, GA, 30721. For more information, please visit www.selectedindependentfuneralhomes.org.