Donna Bauguess

Donna Holloway Bauguess, Age 66, of Winston-Salem passed from this life in her home on August 8th surrounded by her family after a several  month battle with cancer. Donna was born in Wilkes County, NC on March 14, 1955 to the late Arza Rehue and Lottie Blackburn Holloway.  The youngest of ten children, “Donna Ree” as she was known by family and the community was preceded in death by brothers: Voyd Holloway, Carlie Alvin Holloway, Grady Holloway and sisters: Bobbie Holloway Tharpe, Corine Holloway Blackmer, Charlene Holloway Cheek.  In addition, Donna was also preceded in death by an infant daughter Tamera Annette Bauguess. Donna is survived by daughters, Tonya Jolly (Shane) and Billie Renee Bauguess and Grandsons Wesly and Noah Hemric all of the home; siblings, Gerald Holloway of San Antonio Texas, Katie Cleary of Hays, Nora Riddle of Ronda and stepdaughter, Breta Bauguess Culler of Pfafftown. Donna lived in Wilkes County until 2004 when she moved to Winston Salem to be closer to her two grandsons who were the center of her world.  She worked as a hairdresser in Wilkes and Surry counties for many years before semi-retiring to be the consistent and ever present “Nana” for her grandchildren.  Donna was a faithful and devoted mother, sister and friend to many.  In 2012 she and Renee moved in with Shane, Tonya and the boys. The three generational house was a haven for all who called it home and this living arrangement was of great comfort over the years for the whole family.  Her consistent presence and love in the lives of her immediate family created a bond that can never be replaced or replicated. Her kind spirit was contagious and if you knew her you loved her.  She had a wonderful sense of humor that continued throughout her declining health.  As the end approached when she was barely able to speak, she had sweet, kind and funny things to say.  She was always truly concerned about her family and, in comparison, small problems despite her incredible pain and quickly declining health. Donna’s life was not an easy one; her father passed when she was 15, she suffered a miscarriage, the death of an infant daughter, death of her mother, two failed marriages and countless other obstacles and heart aches but through it all her steadfast devotion to Jesus kept her moving forward in love. She devoted the last 16 years plus to the life of her grandsons; taking care of them as babies, being the courier and after school care during school years and a constant love, defender, and supporter.  Wesly and Noah remained the loves of her life throughout her sickness and her face lit up when they entered the room. Donna was also the consistent and lifelong companion, loving mother, and devoted friend to her youngest daughter Renee. They shared their home, nearly every meal and moment of everyday life in their own special way since 1996 when it became just the two of them. There was no end to her dedication for Renee and their bond and love for each other. Donna was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer in October of 2020.  After treatments failed to improve her status, she made the decision to live out the remainder of her days with her family at home; surrounded in love. Trellis Supportive Care assisted in this goal and were very kind and helpful throughout the process. The family would like to thank Abbot Oscar Joseph for becoming such a rock of faith and strength during the last few weeks of Donna’s life.  Also, a special thank you to Faye and Alexia who helped the family provide care to Donna in her last few months of life. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the Hayworth-Miller Lewisville Chapel at 12 noon on Saturday August 14th.  The family will receive friends and family at Hayworth-Miller Lewisville Chapel from 11am – Noon immediately prior to the service. A graveside service will be held at Rachel Baptist Church in Roaring River, NC on Saturday at 3pm with Reverend Jimmy Welborn officiating. Flowers will be accepted and/or donations can be made in Donna’s memory to Trellis Supportive Care.