Claudene Jurney Donovan

Claudene Jurney Donovan departed this life on Thursday, May 1, 2025 at UNC-Rex Hospital. She was the daughter of the late Rufus Edgar Jurney and Bertha Madison Jurney. She was born in Iredell County, Statesville, N.C.

She established her Raleigh residence in 1946. Claudene was a faithful member of the Edenton St. United Methodist Church, Cokesbury-Isly, Francis Asbury Sunday school classes, active in the United Methodist Women, Lay Shepherd, Martha Ministry and New Baby Visitation. She was a member of the Women's Club of Raleigh for over 50 years serving on the Board of Directors and the Board of Trustees as well as on other committees. Her volunteer work included being a docent at the N.C. Governor's Mansion and Mordecai House, Rex Hospital and serving on committees of Springmoor Residence Association. She was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and homemaker.

She was preceded in death by her husband, David W. Donovan of 63 years who was the love of her life. She was also preceded in death by her beloved daughter Michele C. Donovan; her sister, Sybil J. Harmon; her brother, J. Keith Jurney; her sister, Peggy Harrison.

Claudene leaves behind a large and loving family and friends, including her son, David W. Donovan, Jr. (Janice) of Damascus, Va., five grandchildren: Robert D. Wickham (Sarah) of Bethesda, MD., David A. Wickham (Melissa) of Durham, N.C., Travis F. Donovan (Sarah) of Banner Elk, N.C., Cory D. Wellborn (Joe) of Deep Gap, N.C., and Rachel J. Donovan of Raleigh, eight great grandchildren: Brooks, Caroline, Wells Wickham, Evie, Sadie Donovan, Sam, Blair, Hayes Wellborn; sister, Gretna J. Feimster of Harmony, N.C., also Christopher Page (Allison), Stephen Page (Emily) and many nieces and nephews.

A graveside service for Claudene was held on May 14, 2025 at Montlawn Memorial Park; 2911 S Wilmington St, Raleigh, NC 27603.

In lieu of flowers, the Donovan family asks for donations to be made to the Methodist Home for Children https://www.mhfc.org/give/.

Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's St., Raleigh, is serving the Donovan family.