Donna Jeanne Peerman Spinks was born in Pinehurst, NC to the late William D. and Otelia C. Peerman of Chapel Hill, NC on December 18, 1960.  We were blessed to have her with us for 62 years, until the day of her departure on Sunday, April 2, 2023.

She was educated in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Public School System where she graduated from Chapel Hill High School with the Class of 1979.  Donna played basketball for the Mighty Tigers and marched in the band as a flag girl.  She is most remembered for her beautiful smile and her pleasant personality.

Donna earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Masters in Adaptive Physical Education from North Carolina Central University.  Donna was editor of the yearbook at Central for two years.  She also studied at UNC-Greensboro toward a Doctorate Degree in Exercise and Sports Science, finishing all but her dissertation (ABD).

She taught physical education at several elementary schools in the Greensboro and surrounding area, was a Master Trainer in Chronic Disease and Self-Management and retired, after 30+ years as an educator including her tenure at Winston-Salem State University.  Her thirst for knowledge led her to enroll in Appalachian State University for a certificate program in "Aging, Health and Society" in 2020. Donna had an affinity for special needs children and worked with the Special Olympics for many years.

Donna was raised and baptized at St. Paul A.M.E. Church, Chapel Hill. As an adult she became a faithful member of St. James Presbyterian Church, Greensboro where she served as a Deacon and an Elder. She coordinated the church Girl Scout Troop and initiated the Praise Warriors Mime Ministry and participated in the Worshipers of Praise Dance Ministry.

A dedicated, Golden Life Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Donna was initiated into the sisterhood at Alpha Lambda Chapter, NCCU in the spring of 1981.  She was the "Ace" of her line, an anomaly since usually the shortest person is first.  Donna stood almost 6' tall.  She later became a member of the Greensboro Alumnae Chapter.

Donna leaves to cherish her memory:  daughter, Otelia Latoya Spinks Fitch (Shawn) of Gibsonville, NC and Manley Gallee Spinks, III of Greensboro, NC; Mother-in-love, Margaret L. Spinks; Siblings: Joanne Peerman (Wayne, dec.) and Dianne Peerman Pledger (Vincent, dec.); grandchildren from Otelia include Shawn Michael Fitch, Jr. and Jade Marie Fitch; niece, Kenysha Dione Bartee and a host of cousins, family and friends.

Donna was preceded in death by her husband of 16 years, Manley Gallee "Chuck" Spinks, II.  The happy couple wed on September 3, 1988 and he was truly the love of her life.