Dona Sue Marlow, age 65, passed away peacefully on December 1, 2025, at North Knoxville Medical Center. Her departure has left a profound sense of loss among all who knew and loved her.
Dona was a woman whose warmth seemed to reach everyone she encountered, a person who carried kindness not as an occasional gesture but as a way of life.
Her gentle spirit, steady compassion, and unwavering willingness to help others made her a cherished presence in her family, her community, and among the many friends she gathered throughout her life.
Born and raised in the heart of East Tennessee, Dona developed early on the values that would define her: generosity, loyalty, and an unshakeable commitment to those she cared about.
She approached every season of her life with quiet strength and grace, always striving to bring comfort, encouragement, and joy to the people around her.
Whether she was offering a helping hand to a neighbor, spending time with her loved ones, or simply sharing a warm smile that could light up an entire room, Dona consistently demonstrated the kind of goodness that made the world feel a little gentler.
Family was always the center of Dona’s universe. She took great pride in the bonds she nurtured, and she poured her heart into creating a loving, supportive environment for those she held dear.
Her home was known as a place where anyone could feel welcomed, understood, and cared for. Her loved ones remember her as a steadfast listener, a loving confidant, and a source of encouragement during both joyful moments and difficult times.
Her absence leaves a space that cannot be filled, but the memories she created will live on in the stories, traditions, and love she shared so freely.
Outside of her home, Dona touched the lives of many in the Jellico area and beyond. Community members describe her as someone who never hesitated to step forward when someone was in need, offering support with humility and sincerity.
Her kindness was never loud or showy it was expressed in simple, thoughtful acts that had a lasting impact on those fortunate enough to know her. The #jellico community, especially, feels the weight of this loss.
As her family navigates this difficult moment, they are surrounded by the love and prayers of friends, neighbors, and all who were touched by Dona’s gentle spirit. Funeral arrangements are currently incomplete, and details will be shared once finalized.
In the meantime, the family asks the community to keep them in their thoughts as they grieve and reflect on the life of a woman whose kindness and compassion enriched so many lives.
Though Dona Sue Marlow may no longer be with us physically, the warmth she brought into the world will continue to shine through the people who loved her. Her legacy is one of love, gentleness, and quiet strength gifts she leaves behind for all who had the privilege of knowing her.
