Donna was a good friend in high school. She was on a date with my husband-to-be when I met him!  She was always fun to be with, made me laugh a lot, but she had a kind & sensible head on her shoulders when needed.  She was a pleasure to know & to have as a friend back in high school. And she was a hard worker! I have only happy & positive memories of her.  May she be resting in peace now, & my condolences to her family & friends.

I only just found out that Donna has gone on to meet the Lord.  Although I am writing this through bittersweet tears, my thoughts are all wonderfull memories of Donna and the great times we had as she was going through the 2 years it took her to get through the Medical Assisting Program at LCC.  What began as a professional experience became a friendship that would last forever.  Farewell Donna until we meet again.

Just thinking about Donna and how much we miss her sweet spirit and her bright smile that she would greet us with each day she worked at the Division of Soil and Water Conservation.  I knew her to be a woman of faith and kindness, and I take great comfort in knowing she will spend eternity with our Lord.  I look forward to our great reunion.

I was very shocked to read of Donna's passing.  I worked with her when she was with the NC Division of Soil and Water Conservation.  She contributed greatly to the Division and its work.  More important, she was a delightful person to know.  I will always remember her friendliness and warm spirit.  I pray the Lord's blessing on all the family as you experience this sadness and loss.
                                                                                            Maurice G. Cook
                                                                                             Raleigh, NC

She was a pillar of strength and knowledge in the Division of Soil and Water Consrvation.  Everyone looked forward to seeng her at the annual meetings of the NC Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts because of her perpetually cheery face and knowing exactly what was going on.  The illness took her from us years ago.  I missed her then: I miss her even more now.

Many prayers and thoughts during this difficult time. Donna will always be remembered by her warm smile and caring heart.

Marcy and Cathy, I remember Donna as a fun loving ,high spirited friend from the "old days" at San Jose Baptist. She will be missed by all of us who were privileged to call her "friend". Pam Roberts Turrill,Ormond Beach, Fl

Josh and Beth Ann,
Mary and I were saddened to learn of your mother's passing. We spent a wonderful weekend with her in June 2010.
Uncle Al and Aunt Dot were also very fond of Donna.They were delighted when she and Beth Ann surprised us by dropping by on Thanksgiving Day 1987.
Donna was a beautiful woman with a radiant smile. Her positive attitude is an inspiration to all.

My heart is saddened by the passing of Donna. My prayers and thoughts go out to the family. Donna and I had so much fun growing up in church together, memories that have never been forgotten and never will be.

Bethann and Josh,
I am truly sorry to hear that Donna passed.  God has a new angel to look over you. Your mom was a remarkable woman, and I was truly blessed to have her in my life.   We shared laughter and tears, and oh yes, shoes.  Her biggest joy was raising you two, and she was so proud of your accomplishments.    I am forever grateful for your hospitality when we came to visit last year,  so glad we had one more visit with Donna.  Love to all from your family in Baltimore.

Beth Ann and Josh...I was so sorry to hear about your mom passing.  She was a truly special woman.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.  Kelly Cauley Authier

Donna was my sister and my best friend.  I cannot express my sadness.  What a privilege to be the only one to call her sister.  She took care of me as I was growing up and included me in her activities.  She drove me and my friends around town when I was a young teenager. They all thought that she was the BEST!  She took me to lots of movies.  We saw Mary Poppins, The Sound of Music, Funny Girl and so many more. She took me to my first rock concert ( Creedence Clearwater Revival) and we stood up dancing and singing the entire evening.  It is still my best concert memory.  We loved watching the old Christmas movies together.  White Christmas and Holiday Inn were our favorites! The first time that I saw snow I was visiting her in Baltimore and my Dad and I went for a walk in the snow.  She always gave me Christmas cards that played White Christmas!  It is a great memory of a special time. She gave me the honor of being the Godmother to Beth Ann.  We shopped together, took trips together(not enough), talked every week. and were just good friends. (with unconditional love, of course) We talked about our children, our hopes and our dreams.  We seldom celebrated the holidays together as adults, but we always sent gifts and cards.  Donna always supported me no matter what.  We laughed and cried together.  Mostly laughed! Donna was very sentimental and tender hearted.
She was a blessing to those who knew and loved her.  I count myself so fortunate to have known her as a sister and friend and know that she is smiling in heaven as she did here on earth.  For those of you who still have your sisters and brothers. Spend time with them... you are lucky! They are gifts that can too soon be taken away.

My deepest sympathy to Donna's family.  I work with Soil & Water and Donna was my person to contact at the Division when information or help was needed.  She was always upbeat and cheerful, and always provided help. We could not end our conversation without talking about our love for our children and grandchildren. Donna was truly a wonderful person.  We share in your grief and send you our condolences.

My sympathy to Donna's family. She worked for me in soil and water conservation. An excellent employee and wonderful person. She will be missed by all.
Manly Wilder

Our deepest sympathy to Donna's family. We remember Donna from San Jose Baptist Church. Donna was truly a wonderful woman and a very good friend to our son, Robert Smith, Jr. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Donna became a friend from the first time I ever spoke with her at the Division of Soil & Water.  She was truly a blessing to everyone who worked with her and I will miss her greatly.  She was a wonderful person with a heart of gold and never hesitated to help me in any way.  My heart goes out to her family at this sad time and I know that God will help you through the difficult days ahead.

My deepest sympathy to Donna's family.  I too am feeling the loss of her wonderful love spirit. Donna always had a smile even on her hard days. She will be missed and I do believe the heavens has received another angel.

My thoughts and prayers are with Donna's family during this sad and difficult time. I work with Soil and Water and knew Donna through work. She was a wonderful, sincere and kind person, always helpful, and upbeat.  We will miss her greatly. 
Gail Hughes

So very sorry for your loss.May God comfort you all in your loss.I am friends with Donna's mother Mrs.Gile.

Josh and Bethanne,
We are so sorry to hear of your mother's death.  She was always such an upbeat person.  I remember at church at Holy Trinity in Kinston, she was the go to person.  She said "Just call me Sister Donna!"  You and your family will be in our prayers.

may the loving memories of donna always stay in the hearts of family and friends, and soon death will be a thing of the past. god promises to make all things new.

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Donna, she was such a wonderful person . May God please comfort all of you during this huge loss. Susan Thompson  (Kinston,NC)

Thank You Donna for being a friend.  Not just any friend, a bowling, shopping, ladies day out friend.  You will be missed by all.  My heart goes out to your family with thoughts and prayers.

On my many trips to Raleigh , I always looked forward to seeing Donna , She was always so cheerful and helpful to me in my duties as commission chair. She was a great Lady and a good friend.

I am so sorry to hear of Donna's passing.  I met Donna a few years ago at a Soil and Water state meeting. Before the end of that meeting, I felt like I had made a true friend. She touched so many people through soil and water who will truly miss her.  Thoughts and prayers are with the family during this time of loss.

Donna was my soil and water mom.  She will be missed dearly.  She was always upbeat and had something nice to say about everyone.  When you needed it she had a shoulder to cry on for you.

I am so sorry I am not able to attend services for Donna.  She was such a great classmate in school - so much fun, delightful laugh and sense of humor.  To her family I extend my sympathies but please know that everyone who knew Donna loved her!

Donna was a wonderful womam and very pleasant to be around.  Our Lord and Savior will enjoy her company. We miss her on this side of Heaven.

Donna was like a glowing rainbow; impressive,loved, and time with us too fleeting.  
She spoke with such love and pride of her son that I wnated to meet the young man she raised.  
My time with Donna was too short but will be unforgetable.  Everyone that met her loved her.  We have lost a dear lady and I a sweet friend.

My God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Donna was a very sweet and loving person. She will be miss by all. May you fine some peace in knowing that she is with the Lord now.

I am greatly saddended to learn of Donna's death.  I worked directly with her at the Division of Soil and Water beginning in 2008 and continuing until her retirement.  I will forever remember he bright smile, positive attitude, and her friendship.

Donna was a beautiful soul.....on the inside and out.  On your darkest day, Donna would be the one to brighten your spirits.  She was a true lady - A first class act!  Her Soil & Water family loved her dearly and will miss her greatly.  I know that her family has many wonderful memories of her that they will always cherish.  We now have a new, brightly shining star in  heaven. Our thoughts and prayers are with her children and family.

Donna was a beautiful woman with a kind heart. I know the gates of heaven opened for her with a beautiful song. May our lord be with her family during their time of sorrow.

Dear Family,
Donna was a part of the soil and water conservation family.  Everyone loved her and always, always found her so kind and helpful. We miss her gentle spirit.

My heart is saddened to learn of Donna's passing.  She was a wonderful and beautiful lady. She was dearly loved by her Soil and Water family and those she came in contact with.  Her beautiful smile will surely be missed.  May God wrap his loving arms around all of you during this sad time and know that Donna is resting peacefully in the arms of our dear Lord!  Warmest Regards, Betty Whitley, Johnston SWCD, Smithfield NC

I became aquainted with Donna when she worked for the Division of Soil & Water.  She was truly a sweet and precious person and has been missed greatly since she first became ill.  Her family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Donna was a wonderful lady and a joy to work with. I will always have fond memories of working with her.

Marcey, Kathy, Josh & Beth Ann... my thoughts and prayers are with you all.  I know that heaven has another angel now, because that's what we had on earth while Donna was here... such a warm, loving, and special lady I was very blessed to call sister.

i'm not sure if i ever met donna but now getting to know my father's side of the family i'm sadden to hear about losing her but we all know she's in a better place.

Beth, 
  I was so saddened to read of your Mother's passing. I have such precious memories of the times that Benjamin spent with you in hight school and at your house.  Your Mother was such a gracious, christian Lady.  Her smile could brighten a room no matter how dark it was. I was so pleased to read that you had two children and I know your Mother has left cherished memories in their hearts. Please give Josh my regards. If you are ever near Deep Run, please feel free to drop in and say hello. May God Bless You and Yours. 

   Sincerely, 
     Susie Pearson

Donna, How I will miss you dear friend.  You were a very special person and I value the friendship we had.  We have lost a wonderful person but God has gained an Angel.  Love you always girl, always.
Brenda

Donna was a wonderful lady. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. So sorry for your loss. J Smith Kinston NC.

So sorry to hear about Donna.  I was fortunate enough to get to know her as a friend during her employment with the Division of Soil & Water in NC.  She was such a sweet & caring person. The family will be in my thoughts & prayers.

Montgomery Soil & Water sends our condolence's to the Stearns family.  Donna was a very good friend and we will miss her sorely.

Oh how I loved this woman! She was like a mother to me during some of the roughest times in my life. She was always kind and loving.  When i first became friends with Beth, we were in 5th grade. Her mom took us everywhere! Even last year, when i was so depressed and alone, Donna was there for me. I love her,always have and always will.

My heartfelt condolences to Donna's family. To know Donna was to love her. As a soil and water conservation employee, I usually would see Donna at state meetings, and although that wasn't often, it was enough for us to become friends and for me to hear about her beloved children. I am blessed and privileged to have known this lovely lady and will cherish my memories of her.

Dear Josh and Beth Ann and family,
My heart is saddened at the loss of my friend.  The obituary was well written because once you were a friend of Donna's, you were always her friend.  Her artistic abilities, willingness to help, and her radiant smile are things that immediately come to mind about Donna.  She was a fine Christian who helped me personally when I really needed it and who shared precious times with me at Southwood Church.  Oh, I miss her so much.  My Deepest Sympathy to you children.  You know it, but I must tell you, too, you had a wonderful mother.  Lean on the Lord and the Holy Spirit will be your comfort during your time of sorrow.  Love to you all.

Beth Ann, so sorry to learn of your loss.
No words can really help with the situation but know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours during these trying times. Concentrate on all the wonderful things you and your Mom did and let those memories help you through the days ahead. God Bless and keep you.  Gary and Jeanette

OBITUARY

Donna Lewis Stearns

24 June, 1948 – 27 November, 2011

Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel

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