Donna Dobbins

Donna Dobbins, 92, of Monroe, NC, and formerly of Mint Hill, NC, died September 18, 2023, at Woodridge Assisted Living in Monroe. Donna Dobbins was born in a small town called Goltry, Oklahoma in 1931, a time when most of her family were into agricultural occupations. In High School in Marietta GA she met the love of her life, John S. Dobbins Jr. They married when John was 20 and she was 19, and so it was until John passed in January of 2019, they had been together for 68 years. Donna died peacefully at her place in the Woodridge Nursing Care facility in Monroe NC. All the caregivers at Woodridge had kind words for Donna, and there may have been moments of challenge and conflict, since she was known to have a somewhat feisty temperament. Donna lived a long 92 year life of love and kindness, family and friends, church and being a loving wife, she was also a great cook, and definitely had the gift of generous hospitality. Donna and John were a testimonial to three sons, eight grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. If a mentor was ever able to show kids how to cultivate friendships, love interests, and family support, Donna was the woman for that task. She was preceded in death by her two siblings, LaVonna and Glenda, and by her parents many years ago. Donna’s children include a son, Stan who preceded her in death at 59 in 2011. Stan has a son, Jonathan, and daughter, Amanda (husband Keith Usher), and one granddaughter Kaitlyn. Surviving son Monty (wife Ramona) has three daughters, Ashley (children Taylor and Joshua), Kristen (husband Adam and Layla) in London, and Megan (husband Brent, Beau, and Beckett). Surviving son Scott (wife Sonya, children Silas (wife Maggie), Stephen, and Sophie Dobbins. (Silas has a son, Finn). Donna was active at Blair Rd United Methodist Church in Mint Hill, until illness challenged her ability to assist and engage with her ‘Young At Hearts’ Sunday school class. John and Donna always joined forces to form strong friendship bonds with church members and neighbors, including those who had moved away to faraway places. They were always interactive with friends and neighbors, gatherings, meals, playing Bridge with friends, until they were no longer able to engage. Donna taught first grade for a short time, and eventually took on the role of homemaker and Mom. Love and kindness was always at the forefront of her mode of communication and outreach to family and friends. She was a great parent and always expected good things from her offspring. She loved to say things like “Can’t never did anything”, a euphemism that cannot soon be forgotten. Donna, not unlike her Mother, Pearl Young was endowed with sweetness and always able to entertain with her cooking skills, whether for innumerable Sunday suppers, or for Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday meals. Her strength of spirit and ability to raise boys with love and discipline was forever steadfast in her younger years. Supporting and taking in children or grandchildren was something she would have never refused. Teaching children a good work ethic and putting your abilities and spiritual gifts to the test were part of her repertoire. Those who knew Donna couldn’t help but love her and her big personality. Like her Mom she was always optimistic and protective of her family. Through sorrows she will be remembered and missed terribly, but we rejoice in being part of her circle, her life, and the indelible impression she left on us all. We love you Donna Rose! Absent from the body means present with our Lord. Amen to a great life of 92 years. Donna’s family has given the family of Lowe-Neddo Funeral Home the privilege of caring for her and for them. Services will be held at 2 pm on Friday, September 22, in the funeral home chapel, 4715 Margaret Wallace Road, Matthews, NC 28105. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 1 pm until the time of service. Following the service, you are invited to join the family at the Price Cemetery in Indian Trail for the committal service.

Donna Dobbins

April 4, 1931 - September 18, 2023