Donna Smith Shoffner Obituary: Liberty Trucking Company Owner, Farm Enthusiast and Devoted Grandmother, Dies at 68

Donna Smith Shoffner, a longtime resident of Liberty and the owner of Shoffner Trucking for nearly three decades, passed away on Friday, August 28, 2026, at Alamance Regional Medical Center. She was 68. Her death was announced by Loflin Funeral Home of Liberty, which is assisting the family with arrangements. Shoffner died surrounded by loved ones after a life defined by her entrepreneurial spirit, her deep love for her family and friends, and her devotion to the farm and cows that brought her so much joy.

Born on December 25, 1957, Shoffner was a Christmas Day baby whose life was marked by the same warmth and generosity that characterize the holiday season. She grew up in a close-knit family, the daughter of the late Floyd Edward Smith and Shirley Apple Smith Toney. Her early years in North Carolina instilled in her a strong work ethic, a love for the outdoors, and a deep appreciation for the values of family and community that would guide her throughout her life.

Shoffner spent the last 29 years of her professional life at the helm of Shoffner Trucking, a trucking company that she built and operated with dedication and determination. Her work in the transportation industry was not merely a job; it was a calling that allowed her to support her family, connect with others, and contribute to the broader economy of the region. Those who worked alongside her have described her as a capable and compassionate businesswoman who treated her employees like family and who never shied away from hard work. Her leadership and her commitment to her company earned her the respect of colleagues and competitors alike.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Shoffner was a woman who found immense joy in the simple pleasures of life. Her farm was her sanctuary, and her cows were among her greatest loves. She spent countless hours tending to her animals, working the land, and finding peace in the rhythms of rural life. The farm was not just a place of work; it was a source of comfort and fulfillment, a space where she could connect with nature and with the traditions that had been passed down through generations of her family. Her love for her farm and her cows was well-known among her friends and neighbors, who often remarked on the pride she took in her land and her livestock.

Shoffner was also a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Sheila Jones McPherson, a loss that she carried with her always. Despite the grief of losing her daughter, Shoffner remained a pillar of strength for her family, drawing on her faith and her resilience to navigate the challenges life presented. She is survived by her ex-husband, John Franklin “Frankie” Shoffner, with whom she maintained a lasting bond; her grandson, John McPherson, who was the light of her life; and her son-in-law, Howard McPherson. Her family has described her as a woman who gave generously of herself, who loved unconditionally, and who was always there when they needed her most.

Shoffner’s friends and neighbors remember her as a woman with a generous spirit and a warm heart. She was known for her willingness to help others, whether by offering a listening ear, lending a helping hand, or simply sharing a meal and a conversation. Her home was a place of welcome, where visitors were greeted with hospitality and where laughter was never in short supply. Her friendships were deep and enduring, and she maintained close connections with people from all walks of life.

The circumstances surrounding Shoffner’s death have not been publicly disclosed, and her family has requested privacy as they grieve. No specific illness or medical condition has been identified as the cause of her death, and the family has not released additional details about the circumstances surrounding her passing. They have asked that speculation be avoided during this difficult time and have expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support they have received from the community.

A celebration of Shoffner’s life will be held at a later date, the family has announced. Details regarding the service have not yet been released, and the family has asked that those wishing to honor her memory look for updates from Loflin Funeral Home. In the meantime, the family has invited friends and loved ones to share their thoughts and memories at www.LoflinFH.com, where a guestbook has been established for those who wish to offer their condolences and reflect on the impact Shoffner had on their lives.

The family has not announced any specific requests regarding donations or memorial contributions. Those wishing to honor Shoffner’s memory are encouraged to reach out to the family directly or to consider making a donation to a charity of their choice in her name. Her love for animals and for the rural way of life may inspire some to support organizations dedicated to agriculture, animal welfare, or rural communities.

Shoffner’s passing leaves a void in the lives of those who knew her. Her grandson, John, has lost a grandmother who adored him and who was his biggest supporter. Her son-in-law, Howard, has lost a mother figure who welcomed him into her family with open arms. Her ex-husband, Frankie, has lost a woman with whom he shared a lifetime of memories and a bond that endured beyond the end of their marriage. Her friends and neighbors have lost a companion who brought light and laughter into their lives.

As those who knew Donna Smith Shoffner remember her life and legacy, they are reminded of the importance of family, friendship, and the simple joys that make life meaningful. Her love for her farm, her cows, and her trucking company were all expressions of a woman who found purpose in her work and in the connections she cultivated with others. Her resilience in the face of loss, her generosity of spirit, and her unwavering commitment to those she loved will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Condolences are extended to Shoffner’s family, her friends, and all who are mourning her passing. The family has asked that their privacy be respected during this difficult time, and they have expressed their appreciation for the support they have received from the community. In the days and weeks ahead, Shoffner’s memory will live on through the stories shared by those who loved her and through the countless ways she touched their lives. Her legacy is one of hard work, love, and a deep connection to the land and the people she held dear. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will remain in the hearts of those she leaves behind.