Donna Mace Hepler “Psalm 91 Girl”, 53, of Hot Springs, Virginia went to her eternal family reunion on Thursday, June 29, 2023.
She was born November 18, 1969, in Hot Springs, Virginia, the daughter of the late Larry Otis Mace and Mattie Virginia Ailstock Chestnut.
Donna began childcare as a youth out of necessity, being the oldest of her siblings. Her working career was in childcare working with Pearl Buzzard at the Homestead and a nanny to two different families. She was a member of the Faith Covenant Family Church where she contributed her devotion and skills, especially in the youth ministry. She believed in Jesus, and we believe Jesus believed in her as many lives as He touched through her. She was a loving wife, mother, sister, and grandma, who enjoyed her family, especially the children. She loved musicals, cooking for her family, and spending time with her church family. Donna saw the beauty in the small things. She liked to read and joke with her siblings.
She is survived by her husband of 27 years, Mark Allen Hepler, whom she married on June 15, 1996; two children, Walter Mines and Asher Hepler; six grandchildren, Sophia, Nicholas, Snowyann, Ruby, Violet, and Silas; brother Larry Mace & wife Michelle; sisters, Mandy Martin & husband Randy, Heather Reynolds & husband Bobby, Christy Mace, Wilma Stogdale & husband, George, Jessica Thompson & husband Dale, Lynnora Shaver & husband TJ, Nancy Crummett & husband, Roy; stepbrothers & stepsisters, Teresa McClellan, Shelton Burns, Rachel Wust, Roy Burns, and Natasha Barron; 42 nieces and nephews; a mother-in-law, Lois Hepler; brother-in-law, Timothy Hepler; sister-in-law, Rita McCune; and her stepfather, Darrell Chestnut; and very special friends, the Haynes Family .
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by seven premature babies, Ezra Ichabod on November 14, 2001, twins Elizabeth Jane and Zechariah Thomas on October 24, 2002, Sally Abigail on March 14, 2005, Christopher Michael on December 25, 2006, Samuel Malachi on August 11, 2008, and Joy Cupcake on October 10, 2009; and her father-in-law, Paul Hepler.
A Celebration of Donna will be conducted at 4:00 p.m., Thursday, July 6, 2023, at Bath County High School with Steve Shaver officiating. Following the service, everyone will gather at the Hot Springs Fire & Rescue Building to enjoy a meal and a time of fellowship with the family.
Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Covenant Family Church, 54 Wilkinson Ave., Hot Springs, Virginia 24445 to support their ministries Comfort Care and Operation Christmas Child, both which were close to Donna’s heart.
She was such a light in so many peoples’ lives. That empty chair at church will be a stark reminder, but I know without a doubt where she is. All care is gone and joy is the replacement. Prayers for her family
Thank you, Donna-
So sorry to hear about Donna prayers for family and friends
One of the sweetest souls ever. She will always be remembered and greatly missed. Love you Donna Sue…..
We weep for us and our loss of you, but inside we celebrate your reunion with our Lord and Savior. What a time that must be for you. Watching you through the years with the children, yours and everyone else’s, I am comforted knowing that Jesus and the Blessed Mother have a special place for you. Until I see you again Cousin, I love you.
Oh how my heart is breaking. Donna was a sister to me, beginning in High School, then as we were in Church together at Faith Covenant Family Church and worked with the Youth. She is a treasured individual to me and always will be. I am so shocked at her passing, and sending my deepest Condolences to Mark and her Entire Family. I am Praying for you all. God Bless and Hold you so close to His Heart during this difficult time. Much Love, Carla Sue
God has his blessings poured over you and his blessings have rained. You’re the sweetest, caring, loving person ever. You’re in heaven now for sure filled with gold streets and mansions. God has always had you near and close because your one of us his children! I and others will miss you on earth. You were the best. In my eyes and heart, you are still here with us. We can’t see you, but I know you can see us and feel us. It’s a distance, but the greatest wonderful thing to happen ever for you. You will be missed. This brought tears to my eyes and others around. I remember you being the “mother” in my life when I was young. One Way Cafe was my favorite ever because of the family there, and you made my night to become closer to God. You’re the best. I will always miss you and love you in my heart, Truely God has blessed you entirely now. Your true and honest work on earth has paid your stay in heaven dear. God bless you!!
Sorry to hear about Donna. Praying for the family
Sorry to hear about Donna. Prayers for the family.
Truly sorry for the loss of your sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and dear friend. May God grant the family peace and Donna the life eternal.
Such a sweet lady. So sorry, prayers for all.