Donna Jo Vincent Carver of Kingsport, TN was released from her burden of doing battle with pancreatic cancer on Sunday, May 22, 2016. She had been a brave warrior fighting this demon since January of this year. In a seemingly impossible task to treat a 52 year old woman still full of hopes and dreams for the future, the medical staff of Holston Valley Hospital and Hospice Care did all they could to treat her advanced illness and finally guide her to the reality of her situation. The cancer was too big a foe for them and her to overcome.
Born to Robert Edward and Millicent Cromer Vincent on November 20, 1963, her family too soon realized what a momentous period of history she was born into when a President she never would know was assassinated just two days later. Her birth was welcomed by her sisters, Millie Anne, Beverly Cromer and Chris Lee. Being the youngest of four sisters, she always had a special place in their heart.
Donna graduated from Tazewell High School in Tazewell, VA (1982), Southwest Virginia Community College (1985) and East Tennessee State University (1987). Her life long career choice was in Social Services, a decision which surprised no one. Her kind heart and gentle ways extended to all the lives she touched along the way, with an extra dose of love and care for all living creatures, especially shelter dogs and cats. She took in and cared for as many as she could and supported local shelters in Tennessee and Florida (where she lived for a time).
Her life of dedication to helping inspired all who knew her. She gave a part of herself to everyone whose path crossed hers. She will be profoundly missed by her son, Robert Anthony Carver and his fiance, Kayla Strouth of Kingsport; sisters, Anne (Tom Rushton) of Ocala, FL, Beverly (Michael Shelton) of Kingsport, TN, Chris (Randy Barlow) of Loris, SC; granddaughter, Brooklyn Gayle Samples and fur children, Katie, Hokie, Baby, E.J., Angel and Garfield. Numerous friends, co-workers, cousins and other relatives were left to mourn her passing. In recent months, Donna, her son, Robert and their fur children made their home with sister, Beverly and her husband, Michael, in Kingsport. She would want it made known that their unwavering support, courage and devotion was much appreciated and humbly accepted.
She was predeceased by her parents and all grandparents and was formerly married to Tony Arthur Carver of Kingsport, TN for 20 years.
Donna was a devoted Christian and made her transition to life ever after in the full belief of finding herself welcomed into the Kingdom of God, surrounded by those who went before, including her pets.
A viewing will be held 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. and service will be conducted at 7:00 P.M. by Trinity Memorial Centers Funeral Home (1221 Stewball Circle, Kingsport, TN) on Wednesday, May 25, 2016. Cremation will follow.
Her one remaining goal in life was to see her son, Robert, graduate from college on May 10, 2016. Fearing she may not realize that dream, the Dean of Northeast State Community College arranged a private graduation ceremony for Robert on Friday, April 22, 2016. Words cannot express appreciation for that kindness shown to Robert and Donna.
In lieu of flowers, Donna would have wanted her family to ask that donations in Donna Carver’s memory be made to: THE BRIDGE HOME NO KILL ANIMAL SHELTER, 2061 HIGHWAY 75, BLOUNTVILLE, TN 37617.
Trinity Memorial Centers Funeral Home (423-723-8177) is honored to serve the Carver family. You may visit trinitymemorialcenters.com to send a message of condolence or flowers to the family.
Click here to watch Donna’s video tribute.
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