Donna Jean Jones Cravener

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Donna Jean Jones Cravener, a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, and a cherished member of our family. She passed away unexpectedly on Monday, June 2nd, 2025, just eight days before her 78th birthday.

Born in Indiana, Pennsylvania, on June 10th, 1947, to Dr. Donald and Dorothy Jones, Donna brought immense joy and warmth to everyone she encountered. She was a kind and strong woman who dedicated her life to her family and her distinguished career in nursing.

Donna was a devoted mother to Megan L. Cravener and Jonathan Cravener, a loving spouse to Bruce E. Cravener, and a caring and fun grandmother to Mazelyn Cravener, Caitlyn Cravener, Brooke McCarthy, and the late Justin Cravener. She will be fondly remembered for her witty humor and wisdom.

A graduate of Presbyterian University School of Nursing (RN, 1968) and Winston Salem State University (BSN, 1999), Donna began her nursing career in pediatrics in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and continued in pediatric roles in various hospitals throughout Pennsylvania and Florida. In 1989, she joined Mission Hospital in Asheville, NC where she worked as a consultant in performance improvement. Although she retired from Mission Hospital in 2009, she returned to the workforce in 2012 as an RN, CAP/C Case Manager with C and B Support Services, dedicating her professional life to the vital work of supporting medically fragile children and their families. Donna had recently announced her retirement in May of 2025.

Donna is survived by her husband, Bruce Cravener; her children, Megan L. Cravener (Richard Smith) and Jonathan Cravener (Karen Davidson); and her grandchildren, Mazelyn A. Cravener, Caitlyn J. Cravener, and Brooke D. McCarthy (Kyle McCarthy). She was preceded in death by her father, mother, sister, Judy Williams, and cherished grandson, Justin Cravener.

Donna had just celebrated her 49th wedding anniversary with her husband, Bruce Cravener. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Donna was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church and lived a faith centered life. We will forever hold dear the memories of her compassion, and her love for the beach, children, animals (especially horses) and plants.

The family will receive friends for visitation at Groce Funeral Home, 1401 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC, on Thursday, June 12th, 2025, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. The funeral service will commence at 10:30 AM at the same location. Following the service, the funeral procession will depart the funeral home and arrive at Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery for burial 12:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Donna’s memory to FurEver Friends of Asheville animal shelter.