Donna Kay Lingle Cavanaugh Scarabin

Donna Kay Lingle Cavanaugh Scarabin, beloved matriarch, amazing story teller, family historian, and sage advice giver, departed this world to be Home with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Thursday, January 14th, 2021 in Forrest General Hospital, Hattiesburg.

Donna leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and friendship at the young age of 79 years, 2 months, and 28 days. She fought a valiant battle with COVID-19.

She was born on October 19, 1941 in Hershey, Pennsylvania. A 1959 graduate of Hershey High School, she was one of ten children of Jacob L. Lingle, Sr. and Susan Gingrich Lingle.

Donna’s table was a place where everyone was welcome. “If you leave hungry, it’s your own fault…” She enjoyed doting on her family and friends. Strong willed, opinionated, yet tender hearted and hilarious - she loved her family and friends deeply. Donna was the family historian. She could be counted on to remember birthdays and anniversaries with ease. The room would light up with smiles as she told one of her amazing stories.

Another family that Donna cherished was her work family. She was a Sergeant with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, retiring after 25 years of service. Donna bled Blue for her brothers and sisters that wore the badge.

She was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police and a parishioner of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Poplarville, Mississippi.

Donna immensely mourned the loss of her beloved sons, Frederick “Fritz” Cavanaugh, Hump Cavanaugh, Billy Cavanaugh; and one grandson, Ryan Cavanaugh.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death her husband of 22 years, and the father of her children, Edward Eugene “Eddie” Cavanaugh; her husband of 32 years, Earl Sabin “Man” Scarabin, Jr.; brothers, Jacob L. Lingle, Jr., Donnie Lingle, Eddie Lingle; sisters, Jane Evan, Ruth Kugle; father-in-law, Earl S. Scarabin, Sr.; mother-in-law, Bernadette Scarabin; and two lifelong friends, Frank Berger and Judy Berger.

Left to cherish the memories of Donna are her children, Debbie Cavanaugh Palmisano, Chuck (Kathy) Cavanaugh, John (Diane) Cavanaugh, Susie (Kolby) Cavanaugh, Melissa “Missie” Scarabin, and Chris Scarabin.

Also surviving are her adored grandchildren, Erika Cavaugh, Kevin Cavanaugh, Tammy (Charles) Cavanaugh, Bambi (Tim) Cavanaugh, Nancy Palmisano, Valerie Palmisano, Brian Palmisano, David (Courtney) Palmisano, Charles E. “Chuckie” Cavanaugh, Justin Britt, Colby Williams, Jacob Davis, Arica Vanadore, Andrea Taylor, Tyler Brady, Logan Brady, Colton Davis, Carl Trahan, Saige Trahan, Payton Trahan; seventeen great grandchildren; one brother, Abner Lingle; two sisters, Susan “Susie” (Barry) Grumbine, Alice Reigle; brother-in-law, Brian (Sue) Scarabin; sisters-in-law, Cathy Mertz, Marla (Clyde), Ronda Ragas, Maria Scarabin; a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Graveside services will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Cemetery (379 West Seneca Road, Lumberton, MS, 39455) on Wednesday, January 20th, 2021 at 11:00 am.

White Funeral Home, (601) 795-4982.