Virginia Beach - VIRGINIA BEACH - Donna Lou Gill, 66, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 25, 2013 at a local hospital, surrounded by her loving family. She was predeceased by her father J. Thomas Higgins. Donna was born January 14, 1947 in Wheeling, WV. She graduated from Sherard High School in 1964 and attended Salve Regina College in Newport, RI. Besides her mother Betsy Higgins, she is survived by her loving husband Jay Gill; daughter Thomi Gill (Rob); son David Gill; granddaughter Peyton Wilson and friend Drew Lee. Donna recently retired from Brandon Middle School in Virginia Beach as the ISS Coordinator after 21 years of faithful service. She never met a student she didn't like and was recognized twice as the Teacher Assistant of the Year. There was never a day when she came home that she didn't have a story to tell about the happenings at school. She loved her students and entire staff. They made her life a dream come true and were the motor that drove her. Donna was a Navy wife extraordinaire. You would have thought she was the sailor. Her adventures with Jay started in Pensacola, Newport, Athens, Greece, Pensacola, and finally settling in Virginia Beach. If you had the time she would tell you many stories from all of those locations. She was honored as the COMCRUDESLANT Military Wife of the year in 1974. Also, she was a life member, Associate Vietnam Veterans of America; Walkin' Warriors Relay for Life Team and Girl Scout leader. She will always be remembered for her kind ways, helpfulness, and as a friend forever. Donna loved to entertain her family and friends. She was a vocal fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday at 10am at Altmeyer Funeral Home, 5792 Greenwich Road, Virginia Beach. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday from 6-8pm. Burial will be held at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans cemetery follow the funeral ceremony. Online condolences may be offered at www.altmeyer.com
Published in The Virginian Pilot, October 27, 2013