Donna Magdalen Kerley

Published 7:55 am Wednesday, March 24, 2021

Donna Magdalen Kerley was born on July 5, 1948 and passed away on Jan. 5, 2021.

She was born in Durham, North Carolina and was the only daughter of the late Colonel and Mrs. Thomas Leo Kerley and sister to four brothers.  Colonel Kerley was born and raised in Jefferson Davis County.

She was an “Army Brat” who grew up in North Carolina , South Carolina, Kansas, Germany and Northern Virginia.  After graduating from J.E.B. Stuart High School in Fall Church, Virginia she entered the Civil Service and began her career with The Department of the Army as a clerk, (stenographer) in the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence Program in Washington, D.C.   

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She subsequently served with the Department of the Army as a secretary and public affairs specialist in the Defense Nuclear Agency before moving to Virginia Beach, Virginia in 1982 where she  took a job with the U.S. Navy at NETPOTC.   

She was detailed to the Human Performance Center as a management analyst in 2003 and retired in 2006.  Her career covered a period of over 39 years.

She received many citations and awards during her career and these included the Defense Nuclear Agency Meritorious Civilian Service Medal,

The Defense Nuclear Agency Exceptional Civilian Service Metal and the U. S. Navy Civilian Commendation Medal.  She was an avid member of The Red Hat Society, Red Hot Wings Chapter and formed many friendships in this association.

She was predeceased by her parents and brother, Phillip Anthony Kerley.

Left to mourn her passing are her three brothers; Dennis Leo Kerley of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Malcolm Thomas Kerley and wife Sharon of Richmond, Virginia, Michael David Kerley of Richmond, Virginia, nieces; Kathryn Kerley DeVriendt and husband Erik, Jennifer Kerley Larkum and husband Michael of Richmond, Virginia, nephew Matthew Thomas Kerley and wife, Frances of Rockville, Virginia and her aunt, Lucy Yvonne Kerley of Thibodaux Louisiana.

Entombment will be at Princess Anne Memorial Park in Virginia Beach;, Virginia. Services wil be private.

A Celebration of Life will occur at a later date to be determined.

Any memorials to her should be to charities of you choice.