It is with sorrow and gratitude that we mark the passing of Regina "Gina" M. Donald-Terrell, 66, of Danville, IL, IL — sorrow at the loss, gratitude for the life.
What follows is not the whole story, but a thread of it.
Regina entered this world in 1960 — the start of a journey that would span 66 years.
The heart keeps better records than the calendar.
Danville – Regina "Gina" M. Donald-Terrell (formerly VanDeWalker), 66, of Danville passed away at 5:31 AM on Friday, May 1, 2026, at her daughter's home. She was born on February 18, 1960, in Waukegan, IL to John Donald and Darlene Salzman. She married Donald "Don" E. Terrell on July 25, 2015, in Kennekuk County Park in Danville. He survives.Gina is also survived by her loving daughter, Tita (John Cox) VanDeWalker-Cox of St. Joseph; stepdaughter, Trisha (Chris Cooper) Terrell-Cooper; her beloved grandchildren, Olivia and Everly VanDeWalker-Cox, and Alexis Cooper; and her brother, Randy Lawhorn. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Clarice Whalfeldt.Throughout her career, Gina brought her welcoming spirit to various local retail and hospitality businesses, most recently serving as the front desk clerk at the Best Western Riverside in Danville. She enjoyed being creative and loved all types of crafting. Gina also was an expert Lego enthusiast and could often be found assembling her latest set. She had a green thumb as well and would carefully tend to her garden in which she would grow any kind of flower or vegetable. Although not a veteran herself, Gina was a member of the Kingman Post #384 American Legion Auxiliary and would regularly attend events with her husband, Don.A visitation will be held from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM CST on Monday, May 11, 2026, at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 3940 N. Vermilion St., Danville, IL 61834. A memorial service to celebrate the life of Gina M. Donald-Terrell will immediately follow at 3:00 PM CST at the funeral home. Inurnment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park. Memorial donations may be made in Gina's name to the National Arbor Day Foundation at arborday.org/donate.Please join Gina's family in sharing memories, photos, and videos of her life through her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.
