Donnie’s family is important to him. His parents are Donnie and Debra Thurman. His father, Donnie Sr., is a very accomplished man. He specializes in human services and is currently working on his Masters degree from Gardner-Webb University’s School of Divinity. Donnie Sr. is a QP with Turning Point Services, which is based in Western North Carolina. His mother Debra Thurman is the person who Donnie considers to be his best friend. She is a Minister at Palmer Grove Baptist Church, and she is completing her degree at Gardner-Webb University as well. Debra is extremely charismatic, and Donnie draws many of his characteristics from his parents.
Donnie has two younger sisters. His oldest sister, Ruby is as passionate a person as you can find. Ruby is known throughout the community for her magnetic personality, and is one of the most beloved daycare workers in the state of North Carolina. His youngest sister Jasmine is talented in a multitude of areas. There is no surprise that she works in the human services field because she is the epitome of a “people person.” Jasmine is also a great singer and entertainer.
While Donnie has no children of his own he has been blessed by his marvelous nephews, Tyler and Jabari. Jabari has just entered pre-school, and is truly academically gifted. At just 4 years old, he is doing things that are considered to be phenomenal for a child his age. Tyler is only 2 years old, and has acquired a strong passion for music. Although he is just beginning to talk, he can sing many gospel songs. Tyler also has also become interested in many musical instruments, mainly the drums. Donnie feels so blessed to have his nephews in his life.
Donnie has so many family members who support him so much, but his grandfather Bill Poston has always been his strongest role model. Bill has always been a strong force in Donnie’s life, and a strong hand to guide him on his journey to success. Due to the era that Bill grew up in, he was unable to advance in education the way that he wanted to. He has always encouraged Donnie to go as far as he could, and to make the most of every opportunity that he gets. In the Spring of 2010, Donnie and his grandfather Bill flew to San Antonio, TX for one of Donnie’s speaking events. This was especially memorable because this was the first time that Bill had ever been on a plane. Donnie considers this to be one of the proudest moments in his life.
