Donna Padgett Thigpen, 75, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, February 10th, 2024. Donna passed from this world with her sons by her side.
She was born on April 14, 1948, at James Walker Memorial in Wilmington, North Carolina, and was the loving wife of the late Byron Hugh Thigpen, Sr. and the daughter of the late Elmer Drue Padgett, Sr. and Bettie Cotton Bartholomew. Donna grew up in Wilmington, NC and lived in Aurora, NC during her high school years and graduated from Aurora High School in 1966. She returned to Wilmington, NC and entered Nursing School at Wilmington College where she graduated in 1968. She began her career as a nurse in 1968 and worked in various fields of nursing throughout her career. Donna spent the last 25 years of her career working for Dr. Botros and Pollock and retired in 2013. She continued to fill-in and work part-time for Dr. Botros until 2023.
Donna was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved spending time with her four grandchildren, who were the loves of her life. She always made sure there were fresh baked cookies, cakes, or her famous hot chocolate whenever they came over to visit their “Ghee”. She enjoyed the weekly bible studies that she attended, and she thought so fondly of all the ladies that attended with her. She had so many friends that she loved very much, and they gave a tremendous amount of love and support as she battled cancer. Donna was a member of Winter Park Baptist Church since 1979 and was very thankful for and loved her Church and her Sunday school class.
She is survived by her two sons, Byron “Ron” Thigpen, Jr. and wife Peyton and David Jeremy Thigpen and wife Sally and four beloved grandchildren, Andrew, Kaylee, Wren, and Bryce. She is also survived by her two dear sisters-in-law, Lynn Padgett and Ola Faye Edwards, niece, Andrea Blocksidge.
In addition to her parents and husband, Donna was predeceased by her brother Elmer Drue Padgett, Jr., her grandmother Rosa Mae Cotton and her stepfather, Harry Milton Bartholomew.
The funeral service will be held at 11A.M. on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at Winter Park Baptist Church. A visitation will be held immediately following the service in the church fellowship hall.
At Donna’s request, her ashes will be scattered by her family in the ocean and other favorite locations at later dates.
In lieu of flowers, memorials or donations may be made to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, Wilmington, NC in Donna’s name.
Coastal Cremations 6 Jacksonville St., Wilmington NC 28403
910.392.6032
6 Comments
My blessings. One of the sweetest earthly beings 💕
Ron, Jeremy and families my sincere condolences. Your mom and dad were our first neighborhood friends when we moved to Wilmington in 1980. And while we have not kept in close contact. We were always able to pick up the phone and catch back up in just seconds.. Good friends are hard to find and your parents were the best. May they both rest in the Lord’s peace.
Donna was a wonderful person who no matter what always had a smile and a kind heart. She will be greatly missed by many including her family who she loved so much. I will miss are lunches together and hugs that we shared every time we left each other. Rest in peace sweet lady.
Donna was well thought of by my Late Husband R.C. Henderson. I want to convey all family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers. She is in a beautiful place now with others that have left before her. May she R.I.P.
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers.
My heartfelt condolences Ron and Jeremy on the passing on your beloved mom. She was a beautiful soul. Your mom and dad had a blast with me and friends in Yoville. I hope we can play again in heaven one day. Hugs and love to your families.
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