Donna Howell Davidson

Early in the morning hours of December 17, 2022, Donna Howell Davidson passed peacefully at Glenaire Retirement Community in Cary, North Carolina after a short illness. Born in 1920 in the railroad community of Hamlet, North Carolina, Donna enjoyed a very happy childhood there with her three older sisters, roller-skating, riding bikes, and swimming at Boyd’s Lake. She attended the North Carolina College for Women, now known as the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, along with her three sisters. After graduation, in 1944 while working at Camp Mackall, a U.S. Army post near Hamlet, Donna met Lieutenant Barney Lee Davidson. They married in 1945 after Barney returned from his service in the Pacific. They then resided in Texas while Barney completed his undergraduate studies there. Desiring to return to North Carolina, Donna convinced Barney to attend Divinity School at Duke University in Durham instead of SMU in Dallas if she helped him prepare his Duke application. During Barney’s long career as a United Methodist minister Donna and Barney lived in Fayetteville, Cary, Morehead City, Goldsboro, Wilson, and Burlington. Donna’s vibrant personality added a spark to every place they served. She was a wonderful and loving mother to their two children. Following Barney’s death after 64 years of marriage Donna moved to Glenaire where she led an active life interacting with the residents and staff until her death. Donna enjoyed art, bridge, antiques, and music (especially Kris Kristofferson). Donna will be remembered for her kindness, compassion, and commitment to social justice. Until her last moment Donna loved life and those around her with a fierce passion.

She is survived by her children, Carol Lani Dickey and Barney Mark Davidson, and their spouses Pitt and Ann, five grandsons, Dan and Will Dickey and Kenan, Stuart, and Paul Davidson, Stuart’s fiancee, Alexis Holland, and Paul’s fiancee, Montana Frayser.

Donna will be interred at Hillcrest Cemetery in Cary next to Barney in a private graveside service arranged by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), 458 Ponce de Leon Avenue NE, Building A, Suite 1, Atlanta, GA 30308.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.BrownWynneCary.com for the Davidson family.