On January 17, 2021, Dr. Donna Alyn Hollar, 58, lost her courageous battle with breast cancer, when she entered her heavenly home victoriously. Born Feb.13, 1962, Donna was preceded in death by her father, Donald Hollar, her paternal grandparents, Fred and Thelma Hollar and maternal grandparents Julius and Vertie Starnes.
She is survived by her mother, Betty Young and her loving stepfather, James, brother, Randy Hollar and wife Kathy, her life-long best friend Karen Wimberly, and husband Randy. Donna is also survived by her niece Chassidy Hicks and husband Jeremy as well as two god children, Manning Wimberly, wife Kerri and their children, Nathan Wimberly, wife Katie and their son, two stepsisters, Karen Young, Shannon Huffman and husband David and one stepbrother, Bobby Beach. She also leaves behind two aunts, Virginia Winecoff and Margie Walsh as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews to cherish her memory. Donna shared her faith in God through The Chapel in Hickory, NC.
Donna was the valedictorian of St Stephens High School, class of 1980. She received her Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte as a Cum Laude graduate. Donna received her Master of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Washington, Seattle, while working as an undergraduate professor. Later, she worked as a CADD Services Manager/Project Engineer at the Port of Tacoma in Tacoma, WA. From 1993-1996, Donna's career continued at Ferris State University, Big Rapids, MI, where she was an Assistant Professor in the Construction Technology & Management Program. Donna also earned a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from North Carolina State University. The majority of her teaching career was spent at East Carolina University from 1996-present.
While at East Carolina, Donna was awarded the Chancellor's Synergy Nominee, Alumni Distinguished Professor for Teaching, National Teaching Award, Associated Schools of Construction and the Outstanding Undergraduate Advisor Award.
ECU's motto is Servire - "To Serve". This was Donna's motto as shown through her many activities. At ECU, Donna chaired many committees over the years including Scholarship and Tenure. Donna was the faculty advisor to Sigma Lambda Chi. She was active in graduation ceremonies, active in Open House, and scheduled course loads for instructors. Donna cared about her students and they cared about her.
Donna's professional affiliations include the National Association of Women in Construction, the American Society of Civil Engineers, the American Society for Engineering Education, Sigma Lambda Chi, Chi Epsilon, and Tau Beta Pi.
Donna will be remembered most for her kind and giving spirit. She loved her family, friends, and all dogs with her whole heart. Her love of dogs was most evident in her work with the Dogs on Deployment organization, as she lovingly fostered many dogs while the owners were deployed.
Unfortunately, Donna’s final request which was to donate her body to Wake Forest Medical School for research could not be granted. But her desire to educate and show concern for students will be carried on through the National Association of Women in Construction, “NAWIC” Chapter # 335 “Dr Donna Hollar Construction Management Scholarship”.
The family ask in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the NAWIC Chapter #335 Ref: “Dr, Donna Hollar Construction Management Scholarship Fund”, P.O. Box 1639, Wintervillle, NC 28590, or to Carolina Caring / Hospice Palliative Care Catawba County, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton NC 28658.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 7, 2021 at The Chapel Church with Dr. B. Dale Watts officiating.
Condolences may be sent to the Hollar family @ www.drumfh-hickory.com.
The Hollar family has entrusted funeral arrangements to Drum Funeral Home in Hickory.
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