Donna Knepper Martin, 69, of Newport died, Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018, at her home surrounded by her family. She was born in Radford, VA on August 6, 1949 to the late Clarence L. and Dorothy Nicewander Knepper.
She was a member of Newport-Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church and was instrumental in various capacities such as Church Treasurer and Chair of the Hospitality and Outreach committees.
She was the founder of the church’s backpack program, and organized the sale of Newport T-shirts for over 25 years. She was well known for organizing church and community events such as the annual Ice Cream Supper, the Fourth of July luncheon, the Fall Bazaar, the Easter Egg Hunt, and various other dinners where Donna’s chocolate cake was a featured attraction.
She enjoyed flowers and nature and for many years maintained the flowers and decorations at the Newport Village Green. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother and shared a special bond with her two granddaughters, Dabney and Della.
She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Dr. Douglas D. Martin; sons and daughter-in-law, Perry and Christina Martin, David Martin and fiancé, Kala Marshall; granddaughters, Dabney and Della Martin; sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Early Duncan; stepmother, Audrey Boyd Knepper.
Funeral services were conducted Friday, September 28, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. in the Newport-Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church with the Rev. Morris Fleischer officiating. Interment followed in the Memorial Gardens of the New River Valley, Blacksburg. The family received friends from 6-8 p.m. Thursday evening at the Newport-Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church, Newport, VA.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Newport-Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church Backpack Fund, P.O. Box 133, Newport, VA 24128. Arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg.
