Donna Faye Stewart

Donna Faye Stewart, 79, of Center Point, West Virginia, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2026, at the Adler Center in Aldie, Virginia, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born on January 16, 1947, in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, Donna was the daughter of Fay E. Sayles Sr. and Eva C. Benson and was later adopted by her stepfather, William H. “Bill” Benson. She was also cared for by her stepmother, Ina Sayles.

Donna was preceded in death by her beloved children, Melissa R. Bradshaw and Matthew “Matt” L. Stewart; her husband, James “Jim” P. Stewart; her brother, Fay “Ed” Sayles Jr.; and her sister, Vicki Lee Sayles. She is survived by her grandson, Cory M. Stewart, and his wife, Sabrey, of Fairfax, VA; her brother, Richard R. Benson of Utica, NY; and her brother, William B. Benson of Westfield, PA, along with many extended family members, friends, and loved ones whose lives she touched deeply.

Donna was a compassionate and independent woman who dedicated her life to helping others. She served as the first female mayor of Salem, West Virginia, and was interviewed by CNN and NBC Nightly News for her work in helping bring international students from Japan to study at Salem College in West Virginia. She also worked at the Pentagon, served as assistant manager of Harbert Funeral Home, and worked as a unit clerk in an intensive care unit in New York. No matter where she worked, Donna made people feel welcome and cared for, often calling everyone “honey.”

Donna had a special love for animals and spent much of her life caring for horses and rescuing cats, dogs, birds, and other animals in need. She also enjoyed serving Thanksgiving meals to the homeless and helping anyone who needed a hand.

Donna was strong, spirited, and full of spunk. Her kindness, warmth, and generous heart will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

A celebration of life is being planned for June 2026. Additional details will be shared with family and friends once arrangements have been finalized.