Donna Kay Burroughs Gragg

Donna Kay Burroughs Gragg, 60, of Roebuck, SC, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, July 7, 2025. She was born in Ware Shoals on August 23, 1964 to the late James H. and Helen Jean Osborne Burroughs.

She is survived by her husband, James M. Gragg, MD, and her daughter, Emma Gragg, BSN (fiancé Connor Chittum). She was predeceased by one brother, James R. Burroughs, and two sisters, Marie White and Beverly Bumgardner. She is also survived by her aunt, Ruby Wideman and her uncle, Bobby Osborne, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Donna was proud to tell everyone that she was born at the Naval Hospital in Pensacola, FL.

She spent her early years in Goose Creek, SC with her Navy family until they moved to Ware Shoals. She graduated from Ware Shoals High School in 1982 and then received her nursing degree from Piedmont Tech. Donna worked numerous years in the Laurens ER which is where she met the love of her life, Jim, and the two were married on August 15, 1998. Donna loved her job as a nurse working in the ER, private offices, and Ford School, but found her greatest joy in her last job taking care of geriatric patients at White Oak Manor. Donna was a devout Christian and longtime member of Saint James Methodist Church in Laurens.

Donna was a loving, caring wife to Jim for nearly 28 years. When Emma would ask what she loved most about Jim, the answer was always “The way he takes care of me.”

In 2001, Donna received the greatest gift of her life with the birth of her daughter Emma. She loved Emma more than anything in her life. Her last words to Emma on the day of her passing was “I love you most!”

Donna loved spending time with her family, whether it was watching Emma play soccer or gathering with everyone for holidays and parties.

Donna made friends everywhere she went, leaving behind numerous people who loved her and were inspired by her. Donna’s life philosophy was to “be the first person to smile at someone, because it just might make their day.” She didn’t just live by these words—she encouraged everyone around her to do the same.

In 2013, Donna was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer. She underwent treatment and was cancer free for nine years until a recurrence in 2022 which unfortunately became Stage 4 in 2023. She fought a courageous battle living beyond what was thought possible, enjoying every day despite the hardships. However, Donna did not let cancer define her life. She touched and inspired very many lives and she will never be forgotten by many.

Visitation will be 6:00-8:00 PM on Thursday, July 10, 2025 at J. M. Dunbar Funeral Home, 690 Southport Road, Roebuck, SC 29376.

Funeral services will be 1:00 PM on Friday, July 11, 2025 at J. M. Dunbar Funeral Home, conducted by Rev. Clyde Scott. Burial will immediately follow in Heritage Memorial Gardens.

Memorial donations can be made to Saint James Methodist Church, 301 Watts Avenue, Laurens, SC 29360 or any animal rescue organization of your choice.