Donna Joe Sternberg, born on July 12, 1961, in Chicago, Illinois, passed away on October 12, 2026, in Wesley Chapel, Florida. Although she was born in Chicago, Donna spent most of her life in Pennington Gap, Virginia, where she built a life filled with family, friendships, love, and countless memories.

Donna was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend whose heart held a special place for the people she loved. Her family meant everything to her, and she loved them more than words could ever express. She also had a deep love for the Pennington Gap community, where so many people knew her, cared for her, and shared in the memories that made her life so special. Donna was the kind of person who left an impression on those she met, and she will be remembered and missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Donna is now reunited in Heaven with her beloved parents, John Henry Beard and Ruby Mae Hammonds Beard; her sisters, Joyce Ann Beard Hopkins and Sandra Kay Beard Stoker; her brothers, Roscoe Beard and Lee David Beard; her sons, Lee David Lipps and Ernest Jack Lipps; and her granddaughter, Ruby Mae Herron. Though their absence leaves an ache in the hearts of those still here, there is comfort in knowing that Donna is reunited with the loved ones who went before her.

Those left to cherish Donna’s memory include her children, Ella Trinity White of New York, Bobby Allen Herron of Florida, Gary Lynn Lipps, Sharon Kay Lipps of Pennington Gap, Virginia, and Pamela Mae Herron of Florida. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, Chad Shirks, Brayden Herron, Corey Lakeman, Neal Herron, Jeremiah Herron, Bradley Carter, Nevaeh Deirth Peters Ariana Deirth Peters, Olivia Herron, Isabella Herron, And nd Frederick Leon Williams Jr, Sylvia Shar-Day Williams, Kimberly Latrece Ashby, Jordyne Christine Ashby And her great grandkids Zeyden Williams, La’vayah Williams, Mahagany Ashby, Emery Ashby, Mesiah Ashby along with her daughter-in-law, Lilly Herron.

Donna is also survived by her sister, Della Jean Witt; her brother, Bobby Beard; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews who will continue to hold her close in their hearts. She leaves behind her dear best friend, Robbin Moore, whose friendship was a special part of her life.

Above all, Donna will be remembered for the love she had for her family and the connection she shared with her community. The love she gave, the memories she created, and the lives she touched will continue to live on through the people who knew her best. While her passing leaves a space that can never truly be filled, the love she leaves behind will remain forever.

Donna may be gone from this world, but she will never be forgotten. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her children, grandchildren, family, friends, and the Pennington Gap community she loved so dearly. May she rest peacefully in Heaven, reunited with her loved ones, forever surrounded by the love she gave so freely during her time here on Earth.

Donna will be cremated, and her family will forever cherish the memories, love, and legacy she leaves behind.

Donna Joe Sternburg and her family are in the care of Pennington Gap Funeral Home.