Donna Cooper Cato

Donna Cooper Cato January 17, 1949 – June 15, 2025 Donna Cooper Cato, 76, of Rural Retreat VA and formerly of Bluefield, peacefully passed away on Sunday, June 15, 2025, at Wythe County Community Hospital. Born in Bluefield, WV, on January 17, 1949, she was the beloved daughter of the late Byron Donald Cooper and Eunice Louise Peery Cooper. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and follower of Christ, Donna lived a life rooted in compassion and service. She worked for many years as an administrator in the medical field, where her dedication and nurturing nature touched countless lives. She attended Life Changers Christian Church in Wytheville, VA, and her unwavering Christian faith was the cornerstone of her life. She had a heart that gave freely—always putting others before herself. Donna was the kind of woman who worried more about others than her own needs. Her family was her joy, and she loved spending quality time with them, especially around a board game. She also found great comfort and strength in studying her Bible and cherished time spent with her sisters, sharing memories, laughter, and their deep bond of faith. Some of her most treasured moments were spent in Burke’s Garden, VA, surrounded by the beauty of the mountains and the warmth of sisterhood. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Richard Max Cato, and her parents. Left to cherish her memory are her children: Roger Allen and wife Stacey of Rural Retreat, VA; Brian Allen and wife Kim of Princeton, WV; and Tiffany Howser and husband Mark of Galax, VA. She is also survived by two sisters, Anita Cooper of Columbia, SC, and Barbara Rose and husband Bob of Bluefield, WV. Donna’s legacy continues through her eight grandchildren: Brittany Watkins and husband Spenser, Tanner Cox and wife Brooke, Tyler Standridge Allen and wife Suzannah, Brody Allen, Brandon Blankenship and wife Erika, Richard Howser, Hannah Howser, and Josie Howser; and three great-grandchildren: Brody & Braelynn Blankenship, and Wrenley Watkins. A memorial service celebrating Donna's life will be held on Friday, June 20, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Mercer Funeral Home with Rev. David Payne officiating. Friends may visit with the family beginning at 1:00 p.m. An after-service meal will be provided by First Christian Church, located at 2200 Bland Road, Bluefield, WV. 24701 In lieu of flowers donation are accept to Bluefield Union Mission 2203 Bluefield Ave #2508 Bluefield Va 24701

Donna Cooper Cato

January 17, 1949 - June 15, 2025