Donna Lynn (Wells) Lingerfelt

Donna Lynn Wells Lingerfelt, age 62, a longtime resident of McMinn County, passed away on

Thursday, January 15, 2026 peacefully basking in sunshine surrounded by those she loved most.

She was a hairstylist for 40 years and a God-loving woman who brought life into every room she

was in, who could make everyone laugh and never knew a stranger, a kind woman who would go

above and beyond for anyone. Her passing is a dimming not only in the lives of those who loved

her but the entire community. With her gone, a silence that is defining reminds us of the joy and

life she carried in the world. She will be greatly missed, though her light and love continue

through her radiant children and all those she touched.

She was preceded in death by her parents: J.M. Wells and Mary Townley Cornett, sisters: Kay

Dingess and Cristi Wells, and a brother-in-law: Kelley Lingerfelt.

Donna is survived by her husband: Jeffery L. Lingerfelt of Athens, her daughters: Stephanie

Wilson (Jeremy) of Athens, Beth Truelove (Tim) of Cleveland, a son: William Robinson of

Athens, two step-daughters: Jillian Ratti (Chris) of Etowah and Kristin Wolfe (Andie), two

sisters, including Faye Wells of Riceville, her grandchildren: Brent Boatman (Patience), Ian

Lingerfelt, Luke Ratti, Will Ratti, Elley Wilson, Eva Kate Ratti, Waylon Collins, Wyatt “Peanut

Butter” Collins, Tucker and Waylon Truelove, along with several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Donna’s close friends: Amanda Andrejek,

Linda Robinson, Connie Torbett, Lisa Cranfill, Pam Lewis, Lynn Thompson, Randy Collins,

Sandra Dodd Atiegoba, and Debbie and Dave Heinish, and to Hospice of Chattanooga for their

love and care of Donna.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 -7:00 PM on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at Ziegler Funeral Home.