Donna Sloane Younkin, passed away on June 9, 2026, at the Elizabeth House in Flat Rock, NC.

Born in Queens, NY November 13, 1953, she was the daughter of the late Donald and Anne Sloane.

Donna graduated from Stockton State College in 1975 with a bachelor’s degree in social work. In January of 1986, she received a Master of Public Administration degree from New York University. She began working for the New Jersey State Department of Children and Families in 1975 and dedicated 40 years of her life to improving the welfare of the children of New Jersey.

Donna married Clyde Stuart Younkin on May 22, 1976, together they moved to Tryon, NC in June of 2020. Donna was a lover of animals, gardening and the natural world. She was an active horse woman, owning, riding and competing in horse trials for over 30 years. In Tryon, she was active in the local community and served many organizations including serving as vice president and member of the board of Tryon Riding and Hunt Club, being a member of the board of the Green Blades Garden Club, and as a member of the board of the Second Wind Hall of Fame.

Surviving in addition to her husband, is her brother, Christopher W. Sloan of Phoenix, AZ and his four children Madison, Taylor, Peyton and Caden.

A green burial and a private ceremony were held at Ramsey Creek Preserve on June 15, 2026.

A Celebration of Life will be held on July 11, 2026, from 2 to 4 pm at the Tryon Fine Art Center, 34 Melrose Ave, Tryon, NC.

Donations in her memory can be made to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Nairobi, Kenya or The Sanctuary at Red Bell Run, Columbus, NC.