Donna Gray (Crater) Sallee

Donna was born August 30, 1950 in Elkin, NC, to James William Crater and JoAnn Darnell Crater. Since her father was a pilot, the family moved several times throughout her childhood, but she spent her formative years in Pickerington, Ohio. She graduated from Pickerington High School in 1968 where she met her husband, Reverend Bradley David Sallee. She attended Ashland College and graduated in the fall of 1971 with a B.S. degree in Education. Donna began her career as a classroom teacher and later served as a School Administrator and Director of After School Programs in the communities where she lived, including Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Atlanta, GA, Columbia, TN, Cary, NC, and Matthews, NC. Throughout their years in ministry, she faithfully supported her husband Brad as he served as a pastor in Columbia, Cary, and Matthews, and together they were involved in starting several church plants over the course of their marriage. She also served on church staff as a Children’s Director at First Baptist Church Columbia in Columbia, TN, and First Baptist Church Cary in Cary, NC. She was a devoted Sunday School teacher and lay leader in many roles. She participated in local, national, and international missions through the Southern Baptist Church, including mission trips to Ukraine, Honduras, and Dominica.

Donna is survived by her husband, Reverend Bradley David Sallee of Charlotte, NC; son, Chad William Sallee and his wife Julie of Waxhaw, NC; daughter, Carrie Jo Sallee O’Neal and her partner Tim Lazar of Elizabeth City, NC; brother, James Michael Crater and his wife Christine of Westerville, OH; grandchildren (who affectionately knew her as Meme), Elizabeth Gray Sallee, Brooke Addison Sallee, Grant William Sallee, Marrin Faith O’Neal, and Bryce Patrick O’Neal.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church Matthews, 185 South Trade Street, Matthews, NC, with visitation prior to the service from 4:00–5:00 p.m. Donna will be laid to rest in Elkin, NC, alongside her parents and other beloved family members.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church Matthews or to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. The family is deeply grateful for the love, prayers, and support shown by their church family and friends during this time.