Donna Wise Poteat

Donna Wise Poteat, 48, of Morganton passed away in the comfort of her home the morning of November 11, 2014, surrounded by her loving family after a courageous nine year battle with breast cancer.

Born January 21, 1966, in Burke County, she was the daughter of Walter and Mary Wise of Valdese. She was the eldest of four daughters. Donna graduated Magna Cum Laude from East Burke High School and spent over 20 years as the office manager for the dental practice of Robert Stevenson, DDS in Rutherford College. On September 4, 1993, she married her life partner, Donald Poteat, at Lowndes Grove Plantation, Charleston, SC.

Donna and Donald enjoyed spending time together bass fishing both, for leisure and competition. They participated in several tournaments across the southeast over the length of their courtship and marriage and she affectionately earned the nickname “Big Fish Donna” from competing anglers. In 2008, together, they earned the title of American Bass Anglers National Couples Champions. When she wasn’t fishing or traveling, she enjoyed baking for her family and spending time with her grandchildren.

In addition to her husband and parents, other survivors include her step-daughters: Chasity Poteat and fiancé, Charles Rice; Jessica Huffman and husband, Dustin. Grandchildren: Olivia Lehn, Mackenzie Huffman, Matthew Lehn, Maverick Huffman and Maddox Huffman all of Morganton and Maya Rice of Greensboro, NC. Sisters: Melissa Herman and husband, Bill of Claremont, NC; Jennifer Williams and husband, James of Lehi, Utah; and Rebecca Rogers and husband, Tom of Shallotte, NC. Nephews: Jacob Herman, Logan Williams, Tommy Rogers, Jack Rogers, Adam Rogers and Samuel Herman.

A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held in her honor next spring with family and close friends.

Donna’s entire family would like to express gratitude to Dr. Jenny Olson, Dr. Greg Jones, Dr. John Belle, the staff of the Blue Ridge Cancer Center, and the caring staff of Burke Hospice & Palliative Care. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Burke Hospice & Palliative Care, 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC.