Dona Mae (White) Wilcox

Dona Mae Wilcox, 76, of Athens, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2023, in her home surrounded by her loved ones.

Dona is preceded in death by her parents, Austin and Naomi Rue White, brother-in-law and sister Bill and Kay Recht, and son-in-law Jimmie Lee Potter.

Dona was born on April 23, 1947, in Athens, Tn. She married her husband, Robert Wilcox Jr., retired Senior Chief in the U.S. Navy, on July 18, 1964. She was a devoted military wife for 30 years. During that time, she and her husband, Robert, welcomed three children: Rebecca Potter (Wilcox), Roberta Rivera (Wilcox), and Ryan Wilcox. Dona went on to receive her nursing degree in 1980 and worked in the home health and hospice community for 35 years. She had a heart for people and touched the lives of many patients and their families all throughout her career.

Dona was beloved by all and will be greatly missed. She was a great source of strength and comfort for her family and friends and was always there when needed.

Dona is survived by her husband of 59 years Robert Wilcox Jr., children Rebecca, Roberta, and Ryan, grandchildren, Tyler, Tara, MaKenzie, Molly, Jaxon, Andrew, Marcus, Madison, Joseph, and Robert, great-grandsons Cal and Forrest, son-in-law Johnny, grandsons-in-law Jeremy and Colton, granddaughter-in-law Jessica, nephews Aaron, Travis, and Matthew, and several other nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family will be having a private ceremony to celebrate Dona’s life.

Dona will be interred in Chattanooga National Cemetery  on Wednesday, August  30, 2023 at 10:00am

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital to be made in her honor.

Ziegler Funeral home has been entrusted with serving the family of Dona M. Wicox.