In Memory of Donna Sibley
Donna Jo Sibley, 82, passed away on January 1, 2026, in the loving company of her husband, Tony Conway, who cared for her devotedly through her extended illness.
Donna was the daughter of Dallas Harold Sibley and Lillian Ruth Parker Sibley, both deceased, and the sister of Kenneth Harold Sibley (deceased).
She is survived by her husband, Tony Conway; her niece, Elizabeth Sibley of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; and her two goddaughters, LauraLe Dyner and Lanz Travers, both of Charlottesville, Virginia.
Donna was a graduate of the College of William & Mary and was known for her love of travel and adventure. As a young woman, she served in the Peace Corps. She built her own company,
Sibley International, which specialized in private-sector development and helped entrepreneurs build businesses in dozens of emerging markets around the world. After meeting Tony, Donna discovered the joys of SCUBA diving, and together they traveled in search of the best sites to witness the wonders of the ocean. Her years with Tony were full of adventure, love, caring and support.
Donna also cared deeply about supporting and mentoring young women in the business world. She generously shared her time, insight, and encouragement, helping others build confidence, develop their talents, and pursue leadership opportunities. She took pride in seeing others succeed and believed strongly in opening doors for the next generation.
As a gem and jewelry enthusiast, Donna’s decades of involvement with DCGIA, helped grow the chapter’s education and networking opportunities for the Gem & Jewelry Trade. As DCGIA Board Secretary 2006-2007, Member at Large 2008-2014 and Party Coordinator 2013-2014, Donna was a dedicated and passionate member. Donna was appreciated for the many years she served on the DCGIA Board and for those she inspired.
Donna was a loving and steadfast presence to those around her. She cared for both of her parents through long illnesses, and she supported her younger brother during his battle with and loss to cancer at an early age. Donna will be deeply missed and always lovingly remembered by those who knew her best.
May she rest in peace.
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I am in need of help to sell my gemstone collection (collected over 25 plus years) most are faceted and I have original invoices with proof of origin.(As well as a wide variety of seclections) I must do this for medical reasons- as well as not one my 7 grand daughters share my passion. I also have a complete set of tools for identification (& proof therein). 2 microscopes, spectroscopes, et al) I know I’ve spent a fortune, yet I do not expect to get any where near the value. I have stones from A-Z precious & non-precious (all are precious to me). I also have premade settings…I had a business plan for home showings and it was profitable…until I could no longer control the slight tremors & other problems). I had to go on disability 1998 from my regular profession of consultant & broker for recyclables. I worked with both industrial companies as well as local & federal government setting guidelines for recycling. I worked both nationally & internationally throught marketing & advising certain Ambassadors . I also sat of several associations, as board member) I want to sell my entire collection as my family has no idea of value and would most likely throw them away/ WIth almost 1,000 stones that would be. such a waste ..Any advice (other than EBAY) is appreciated
Hello Donna. I’m sorry to hear about your health and the disinterest of your family.
Have you progressed the sale of your collection since August?
Kind regards
Nellie Mayo
I am interested in the collection, How can this whole items be inspected?
Hello Donna, I’d be interested in helping you rehome your treasures, whether they go to me or someone else. What is the easiest way to contact you and view your collection?
I have been teaching disabled veterans & children gem cutting for years and as a disabled veteran my self I would like to entertain the purchase of you whole collect. Sounds like great teaching tools!
Blessings,
JCL
I would have interest in the collection. If it becomes available please email me. velvetboxsociety@gmail.com Thanks Brian T Berger Graduate Gemologist. I am a published author in the field of gemstones, and have gemstones in museums here in the United States.
Hello Donna,
I hope you are doing good.
Is your collection is still available?
I have conflicting webinars. Will a a recording be available to watch today’s webinar at another time?
Posted just now at
Hallo,will the Zoom-Talk with John Dyer also be available somewhere later on? Starting Time is middle of the Night here in Germany 😟, but would love to listen to it later.
If we get permission to record it we will.
actually John had it on You tube.
Great! I work at the Pentagon Jewelers and we are working with a lot of gems from Afghanistan.
I am very excited to hear about your exploration of mines, I am very intrigued with mining and gem origins. I would love to learn about mines that are open to visitors or your Gem Hunters Corporation.
I am interested to total work as gemologist in Afghanistan
I have a qualification chemistry honors and rolling technology and interested to work as gemologist in Afghanistan
Looking forward to watching the Zoom meeting!
Can you email me the link?