Donna Shearer

Donna Shearer, a devoted mother, passionate environmentalist, and cherished community leader, passed away on Sunday, June 16, 2024, after bravely battling a long illness. She was 76 years old. Donna was born to Gordon and May Graul Curtiss and is survived by her loving husband, Mark Shearer, her daughters Sarah Davis and Abigail Giordano, stepson Ian Shearer, stepdaughter Laura Boling, grandchildren Maren Piland, Harper Davis, and Bobby and Ellis Giordano, as well as her brother and sister-in-law, Happy and Barbara Curtiss, who affectionately called her "baby duck."

Donna's life was marked by a deep commitment to causes she held dear. After graduating with honors from Westminster High School, she pursued her passion for English at the University of Florida. Though her career began in the corporate world, notably with C&S Bank and various computer companies, Donna's true impact stemmed from her role as a system analyst, writer, and proposal manager. Her meticulous work not only enhanced business success but also laid the groundwork for her later endeavors in conservation and community service.

In 2001, Donna and her husband realized their dream of building a cabin in the woods near Dahlonega, surrounded by hemlock trees. Upon discovering the threat these trees faced from invasive pests, Donna founded the non-profit organization Save Georgia's Hemlocks. Through her leadership, the organization flourished, partnering with government agencies and mobilizing volunteers to preserve these vital trees across North Georgia and beyond. Her dedication earned her the prestigious Cox Environmental Award and established a lasting legacy in environmental conservation.

Donna's faith was a cornerstone of her life, deeply rooted since a transformative experience of God's love in childhood. Her faith inspired compassion and kindness, extending to all living beings, from people to animals and even earthworms seeking safety. Known for her infectious humor and warmth, Donna brought laughter wherever she went, whether cheering on UGA football games or caring for an eclectic array of animals on her property.

Beyond her roles as an environmentalist and humorist, Donna was an avid gardener with an encyclopedic knowledge of flora, inherited from her grandmother. She found immense joy in nurturing her garden and, above all else, in showering her daughters and grandchildren with boundless love and support.

Donna Shearer's journey on earth may have ended, but her spirit lives on through the countless lives she touched and the causes she championed. Her family invites all who knew her to join in celebrating her life at Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home in Dahlonega, Georgia, on June 30, 2024, at 3:00 PM. Visitation will precede the service from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Save Georgia's Hemlocks, Lumpkin County Animal Shelter, or Habitat for Humanity, reflecting Donna's enduring commitment to making the world a better place for all.