1942
Donna
2025
Donna Lee Mahan
November 25, 1942 — August 17, 2025
Columbia
Donna Lee Mahan (née Wheelbarger) of Columbia, SC, passed away on August 17th, 2025.
Born on November 25, 1942, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Robert Charles and Laura Calder Holden Wheelbarger, Donna spent much of her childhood in Pensacola, Florida. There, she became an expert water skier, mastering slalom skiing and performing daring water pyramids with her friends. She was a pageant queen, earning titles throughout the state and a spot in the Florida Showcase in New York City. Working at 30 Rockefeller Center, she hobnobbed with celebrities and met the love of her life, Joe Mahan. She liked to say she agreed to be the caboose to Joe’s engine, following his career across the country.
Donna briefly studied art at NYU, then carved out her own creative path. She worked as both a model and a graphic designer for well-known department stores including Gimbels, Gayfer’s, and Strawbridge & Clothier. In 1983, Donna and Joe settled in Columbia, South Carolina, for the second and final time, where she eventually concluded her career at Belk.
Donna was a gifted artist with a keen eye for beauty. She found joy in tending her garden and making her home a welcoming, lovely place. Her sisters Barbara Rios and Karol Agee were her lifelong best friends and a tremendous source of joy throughout her life. She cherished meaningful conversations with Elaine Muffoletto, her walks with Roni Klemick, and the camaraderie of the Quail Valley Garden Club and the Do Nothing Club.
She is survived by her husband, Joseph Mahan; her sons, Doug (Kelly) and Daren (Amanda); her grandchildren, Tyler, Payton, Lottie, and Callie, and the Agee and Essert nieces and nephews.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to her sisters Karol and Barbara and the neighbors who provided steadfast support, meals, lawn care, and friendship—especially Leisha Heathcote, Pat Schupp, Jane Kimball, Margie Black and the England family—during these past few weeks.
A celebration of Donna’s life will be held on Saturday, October 4th from 2:00–4:00 pm at the home of Joe Mahan. All are welcome to join in sharing fond memories and favorite stories in honor of Donna’s vibrant spirit.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pawmetto Lifeline, 1275 Bower Parkway, Columbia, SC 29212, or online at https://pawmettolifeline.org/get-involved/donate/
Born on November 25, 1942, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Robert Charles and Laura Calder Holden Wheelbarger, Donna spent much of her childhood in Pensacola, Florida. There, she became an expert water skier, mastering slalom skiing and performing daring water pyramids with her friends. She was a pageant queen, earning titles throughout the state and a spot in the Florida Showcase in New York City. Working at 30 Rockefeller Center, she hobnobbed with celebrities and met the love of her life, Joe Mahan. She liked to say she agreed to be the caboose to Joe’s engine, following his career across the country.
Donna briefly studied art at NYU, then carved out her own creative path. She worked as both a model and a graphic designer for well-known department stores including Gimbels, Gayfer’s, and Strawbridge & Clothier. In 1983, Donna and Joe settled in Columbia, South Carolina, for the second and final time, where she eventually concluded her career at Belk.
Donna was a gifted artist with a keen eye for beauty. She found joy in tending her garden and making her home a welcoming, lovely place. Her sisters Barbara Rios and Karol Agee were her lifelong best friends and a tremendous source of joy throughout her life. She cherished meaningful conversations with Elaine Muffoletto, her walks with Roni Klemick, and the camaraderie of the Quail Valley Garden Club and the Do Nothing Club.
She is survived by her husband, Joseph Mahan; her sons, Doug (Kelly) and Daren (Amanda); her grandchildren, Tyler, Payton, Lottie, and Callie, and the Agee and Essert nieces and nephews.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to her sisters Karol and Barbara and the neighbors who provided steadfast support, meals, lawn care, and friendship—especially Leisha Heathcote, Pat Schupp, Jane Kimball, Margie Black and the England family—during these past few weeks.
A celebration of Donna’s life will be held on Saturday, October 4th from 2:00–4:00 pm at the home of Joe Mahan. All are welcome to join in sharing fond memories and favorite stories in honor of Donna’s vibrant spirit.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pawmetto Lifeline, 1275 Bower Parkway, Columbia, SC 29212, or online at https://pawmettolifeline.org/get-involved/donate/
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Donna Lee Mahan, please visit our flower store.
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