Mrs. Donna V. Burns McCandies was born in Brooklyn, New York to the late L.C. Taylor and Frances Wilma Jean Burns. On Thursday evening, May 28, 2026, Donna was called from labor to reward.

Affectionately known as "Blossom" by many, she retired from PPG Industries and was a faithful member of Files Chapel Baptist Church. Until her health began to decline, she served faithfully on the Usher Board, Pastor's Aide Committee and Hospitality Committee.

Blossom loved her family and friends and was truly a joy to be around. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert "Pepper" McCandies, Sr.; her brother, Victor "Geno" Burns and a sister-in-law who was like a sister, Alfredia McCandies Hairston.

She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved son, Robert "PJ" (Whitley) McCandies, Jr.; her stepdaughter, Shaquane Thomas; two devoted sisters, Katrina (Terance) Davidson and Trudy (William) Woodberry; four brothers: Bryan Burns, Gary Burns, Thabiti (Kristie) Anyabwile and Vincent (Linda) Parker; sisters-in-law, Daisy Sullivan, Carol McCandies, Delores Vaughters, Anna McCandies, Lisa McCandies and Robbie McCandies; four aunts: Irene Young, Ruth (Darrell) Clark, Deborah Burns and Carolyn Burns; her uncle, James "Sonny" Burns; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and dear friends.

A Homegoing Celebration will be held on Saturday at Files Chapel Baptist Church. Family visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Forest Hill Memorial Park.