Donna Jean Rea transitioned from her earthly life into the loving arms of her savior, Jesus Christ, on Sunday, July 26. Born on February 4, 1944, to the late Leoma Mae (Foote) Davisson and Bernard (Beau) Davisson, Donna was raised in the beautiful mountains of Western Maryland, specifically in the small close-knit town of Westernport. Donna’s mother instilled in her a deep Christian faith and raised her and her siblings in the church. Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, West Virginia was her home church and a variety of activities there consumed much of Donna’s young life. She attended Sunday School, sang in the children’s choir and as a teenager was active in Methodist Youth Fellowship (MYF). Her appreciation of nature, which was later revealed in her exceptional photography, was nurtured by summers spent with family in the Green Glade section of Deep Creek Lake in the 1960’s.

Donna was a trailblazer for her younger siblings, being the first of the family to pursue a college degree after having graduated from Bruce High School in 1962. Upon completion of her Bachelor of Science degree from Frostburg State College in 1966, Donna moved (what was then considered a very long distance from home) to accept a teaching position with Harford County Public Schools, at Hickory Elementary School, Bel Air, Maryland. Donna taught first grade at Hickory Elementary for thirty years. A continuous learner, Donna returned to higher education in 1974, earning her Master of Education degree from Towson State College while teaching full-time. Upon retirement from the public school system, Donna joined the staff at Mountain Christian School in Joppa, Maryland, serving as Assistant Principal for multiple years. Although Donna had no children of her own, she loved children and greatly enjoyed having former student share their greetings and the many favorite stories of Miss Donna’s time as their teacher.

Donna was married to the late David Clifford Rea, a man of God, who served in various pastoral capacities at churches in Baltimore and Harford counties. Donna was a loyal and active member of Calvary Baptist Church until her health declined. Donna was active with Community Bible Study, the Community Impact Group, and especially enjoyed working on Operation Christmas Child. Additionally, she was a Sunday school teacher, a team leader for AWANA groups, a facilitator of Griefshare groups, and a mentor to young women of the church in quilting and knitting. Donna was blessed with a large and caring church family who meant the world to her.

To say that Donna was a gifted artist is an understatement. She learned to sew at her mother’s side and in high school home economics classes. Donna’s Aunt Bea taught her how to do needlepoint at a young age and she became hooked on working with yarn and needles. Donna always had knitting or crochet needles in her hands, creating beautiful and useful items that would often be gifted to others or donated to those in need. She was a prolific quilter and a founding member of the Flying Geese Quilt Guild. Donna had a gift of being able to see the potential concept for a quilt in the smallest swatch of material. She could make anything from a simple wall hanging to a complicated holiday-themed quilt or a quilt from a niece’s or nephew’s racing competition t-shirts. Donna even made small blankets for family pets! Donna was always enthused to fire up one of the many sewing machines she possessed over the years to start a new project. When Donna downsized from her condo, her siblings were stunned by the sheer volume of fabric, yarn, and crafting needles stashed throughout her home. Known by the handle, “photo lady,” Donna had a knack for capturing the beauty of nature as well as ordinary things through her camera lens, many of the images used on note cards produced by David.

Donna leaves behind her two sisters, Deborah S. Phelps and Amy Jo Peterson, and brother, B.J. Davisson and his wife, Krista. Known affectionately as Aunt Dee Dee, Donna is survived by her three nieces and two nephews: Hilary Phelps (Greg Shindler), Whitney Flickinger (Larry Phillips), Sara Collins (Tim), Michael Phelps (Nicole) and Andrew Peterson. She also leaves behind ten great nieces and nephews and nine first cousins. Donna is additionally survived by her brother-in-law, Doug Rea. Her circles of friends were wide and deep because to Donna no one was a stranger, always saying hello and striking up a conversation. She had a unique way of always making one feel important and special. Her legacy of kindness, creativity, service, faith, and family will continue in the lives of all who knew her.

Donna loved cats and had many over the years. Miss Pumpkin, who survives Donna, has found a new and loving home with Aunt Amy.

A celebration of Donna’s life will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at noon at Calvary Baptist Church, 206 Courtland Place, Bel Air, Maryland. The family will greet visitors starting at 11:00 am and will continue to visit with attendees during the bereavement luncheon that will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family asks those wishing to honor Donna’s memory to direct memorial gifts either to Calvary Baptist Church, at the address above, noting “in memory of Donna Rea” or to Hickory Elementary School, 2100 Conowingo Road, Bel Air, MD 21014 “HIES/Donna Rea memorial donation.”

Donna’s family wishes to express appreciation and much gratitude to the staff at Brightview Avondell in Bel Air, Maryland and Amedisys Hospice of Greater Chesapeake for the compassionate care provided Donna.