With great sadness, the McHenry family announces the passing of Donna Blackburn McHenry on April 19th, 2024. Donna was the eldest of the two children born to Donald Eugene and Brenda Reavis Blackburn. She is preceded in death by her father.
A lifelong North Carolinian, Donna was born in North Wilkesboro and raised in the area before attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. At UNC, she majored in education while enjoying basketball games (starring Michael Jordan and James Worthy) and quiet nights in Granville Towers. There, Donna met the love of her life and husband of 35 years, Bill McHenry, with whom she had three sons. After graduating from UNC, Donna briefly lived in Greensboro before settling in Raleigh.
Donna was a gifted and passionate teacher. She was adored by her middle school science and Sunday school students, many of whom expressed their gratitude years after they left her class. A longtime homemaker, Donna was the organized, responsible, and wise “chief” of her household. She was tireless in her efforts, especially around holidays and vacations, and made cherished memories for “her boys”.
Donna was easy to love. Her warm, inviting presence comforted family and friends and prompted strangers to confide in her without solicitation. She made easy conversation and had a playful sense of humor that became more evident the more you spoke with her. She was completely unassuming and carried herself with a quiet confidence and grace.
Paired with her kind spirit was inspiring resilience and perseverance. She modeled an upright Christian walk and more than anything, was entirely selfless.
Donna enjoyed taking in beautiful vistas, reading, cooking, and crafting. But most of all, she enjoyed spending time with those she loved. And it was a joy for us to be with her.
She is survived by her husband William Patrick McHenry; three sons John Patrick McHenry (wife Rachel Stowe McHenry), Matthew William McHenry, and William David McHenry; mother Brenda Reavis Blackburn; and brother Tony Alan Blackburn.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, April 26, 2024 at 2:00 pm at Salem Baptist Church in Apex, NC. Interment will follow at the church cemetery. Family will receive friends after the graveside service.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in her memory to ALS United North Carolina.
If you would like to leave a favorite memory / story of Donna or a message of condolence to her family, you may do so below within "Add a Memory" box below. Brown Wynne of Cary is honored to serve the McHenry family.
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