Donna Ann Snyder Sessum, age 82, of Raleigh, North Carolina, died peacefully at her home in The Cardinal on October 4, 2025. She was born on March 2, 1943, in Detroit, Michigan, the only daughter of the late John and Nelle Snyder.
Donna is survived by her devoted husband of 58 years, Robert (Bob) Lee Sessum; her son, William Paul Sessum and his wife Joy; and her beloved grandson, Holden Lee Sessum, all in Raleigh. She was preceded in death by her parents and her stepfather, Elvis Paul Chambers.
For more than five decades, Donna was the steadfast partner and strength of Bob’s ministry, faithfully serving alongside him in the Episcopal churches he led in Chattanooga, TN; Fort Oglethorpe, GA; Raleigh, NC; Concord, NC; and Lexington, KY. Known affectionately as the “first lady” of these congregations, she touched countless lives with her warmth, hospitality, and unwavering faith.
Beyond her role as a clergyman’s wife, Donna had a varied and fulfilling career. She worked as a medical secretary, served as secretary to a North Carolina state representative, worked at the local United Way chapters, and held positions in retail sales, including jewelry and Doncaster women’s clothing. Donna had a gift for making others feel welcome. She was a talented cook, best known for her famous “homemade yeast pocketbook rolls,” and she found joy in entertaining, greeting, and meeting people wherever she went.
A Memorial Service will be held at The Cardinal at North Hills, 4030 Cardinal at North Hills Street, Raleigh on Friday, October 17th at 11:00 am.
A Funeral Service of Holy Communion with interment in the Columbarium will be held on Saturday, October 25th at 10:00 am, at All Saints’ Episcopal Church, 525 Lake Concord Road, Concord, NC 28025.
A Memorial Service will also be scheduled on Saturday, November 8th at 11:00 am at the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, 355 Main Street, Lexington, KY 40508.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to All Saints’ Episcopal Church, Concord, NC, or Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, Lexington, KY, or Transitions LifeCare Hospice, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607
Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's St., Raleigh, NC, is serving the Sessum family.
