WWAY 3 reported on Wednesday, November 20, that Donna Gregory, a longtime North Carolina journalist, passed away after receiving a Stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis in April.
“It is with deep sorrow that we share the heartbreaking news of the loss of our beloved veteran news anchor, Donna Gregory,” according to the network’s statement. According to the publication, she died “surrounded by her loved ones” the day before.
Gregory discussed her cancer story with viewers. In April, she posted “a special message” on WWAY 3, stating that she learned of her cancer diagnosis after receiving a biopsy after “months of trying to determine what was causing recurring coughing, shortness of breath, fatigue, and weight loss.”
“I’ll be off the air for a bit to follow the physicians’ treatment plan. My objective is to become stronger and better every day, and prayers always help,” she stated, adding, “There is a wind of beauty in all of this,” as she praised her “Angels disguised as friends” and family.
She “confronted her illness with grace and determination, undergoing immunotherapy and chemotherapy while remaining a beacon of hope and inspiration,” the radio station WWAY 3 said.
Throughout her decades-long career, she taught young journalists and became a friend to many in the newsroom. In 2019, she temporarily replaced anchor Randy Aldridge at WWAY 3 due to his cancer diagnosis. Her post later became permanent.
“Her death leaves a void that words alone cannot fill,” WWAY 3 said, adding that an homage to her legacy will take place at a later date.
“For the time being, we mourn her loss and send our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and everyone whose lives she touched.” Donna Gregory will be greatly missed,” WWAY 3 concluded.
Gregory’s children noted that while the community may have recognized her for her news coverage, “to her children, she was so much more than the accomplishments listed in her career,” they said in a Facebook post.
“She was the center of every room she entered, making everyone feel welcome and at ease. She could make a feast out of anything she found in the fridge, transforming everyday events into something memorable.”
Gregory’s children recalled their mother’s best traits, such as how “her loud whistle at sporting events could rival any cheerleader” and how she “somehow mastered folding a fitted sheet.”
In addition to her “unshakable positivity,” those she adored said, “We always knew we could count on her to drop everything for us, answer every question, and ground us in her strong faith and deep love for Jesus.”
Her children, Sam, Callan, Avery, and Everett; grandsons, Hayes and Coley; daughter-in-law Amanda; and son-in-law Shane, survive her.
