Donna Gail Quick, age 81, of Fayetteville, TN, passed away on April 2, 2026, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Born on April 20, 1944, in Athens, AL, she was the daughter of the late Travis Ford Oliver and Margie Laten Oliver.
Donna was a woman of strong work ethic and character, having dedicated many years to her career at Chrysler in Huntsville, AL, from which she eventually retired. Beyond her professional life, she was known for her feisty spirit and a genuine love for life’s simple pleasures. She was happiest when she was outdoors, whether she was tending to her garden and plants or quietly watching the birds.
A gifted hand with a needle, she loved to sew and quilt, and she took special joy in teaching the art of crocheting to her granddaughters. Her kitchen was the heart of her home; an excellent cook, Donna found her greatest fulfillment in sharing her favorite dishes with the family she cherished so deeply. While she adored her children and grandchildren, she had a legendary soft spot for her great-grandbabies and, as her family fondly remembers, she was perhaps slightly partial to her grandsons-in-law.
Survivors include her son, Jerry (Christy) Ferguson; grandchildren, Tori (Dominique) Johnson, Josh Ferguson, Morgan (Tyler) Branch, Taylor (William) McRae, Jessica (Tanner) Ables, and Brooke (Blake) Bassham; great-grandchildren, Khaleigha, Khylei, and Kheylan Johnson, Emalee, Waylon, and Mollie Branch, Harper and Lainey McRae, Noah and Etta Jean Ables, and Adalynn and Hyatt Bassham; brother, Greg Oliver; sister-in-law, Marie “Rie” Walker; many nieces and nephews and the children of her late husband, Jimmy.
In addition to her parents, Donna was preceded in death by her husband, Jimmy Quick; son, David Ferguson; sister, Sharon Harbin; sister-in-law, Lisa Oliver; and her niece, Leslie Lowry.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at Higgins Funeral Home with Dr. Ronnie Gay officiating. Burial will follow in Prospect Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be held on Saturday from 12:00 PM until the time of service.
At Higgins Funeral Home, it is our privilege to offer comfort, care, and support to the family of Donna Gail Quick.
Jerry we are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time
She was my cousin, but we always called her Aunt because she was the same age as my parents. What I remember most about her was her love for her famiy and her selflessness. She was always thinking of others before herself. She will be deeply missed by a lot of people. One more thing that I remember about her was her love for our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. So I know that this is not goodby, but I’ll see you later.
Brooke and Taylor, I am so sorry for your loss. I’m sure she was so very special to you. I pray God’s comfort for you and all your family.