Obituary: Donna Kay Edmundson Howell
Donna Howell
March 6, 1957 – June 5, 2026
Donna Kay Edmundson Howell, 69, was graciously received into the presence of her Lord on Friday, June 5, 2026. Donna was born in Greene County to the late Hubert “Tip” Edmundson Jr. and Louise Smith Edmundson on March 6, 1957. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a great-grandson, Henry Cotton; and siblings, Ronnie Edmundson, Roger Edmundson, Lori Mobley, Paulette Butts, and Paul Scott Edmundson.
Raised on the family farm, Donna had a respect and drive for hard work. Working in various locations throughout her career, she retired as a Certified Nursing Assistant with the North Carolina Veterans Home in Kinston.
A skilled cook, everything that came from Donna’s kitchen was exceptional. She loved to gather her family around the table for a meal and, while everything was good, her sweet potato pie and potato salad just couldn’t be beat.
With a sense of humor that could break the most serious of people, Donna loved to make you laugh and to laugh right along with you. Her lack of a filter was both humorous and sincere as she spoke her mind to anyone that would listen. A lifelong Dale Earnhardt fan, she proudly rooted for the legendary No. 3 at every opportunity.
Though Donna could be fiery, she was equally welcoming and loving to all. With a large family from varying backgrounds, Donna loved each one unconditionally and fiercely. Her love for her family was only surpassed by her love of her Savior, as she recently gave her heart to the Lord.
A service of love and remembrance will be held by the graveside at Cobb Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. The family will receive friends following the service.
Donna is survived by her husband of 42 years, Carlton Ray “Buddy” Howell; children, Rhonda Johnson (Mark), Mark Moye (Allison), Wendy Martin (Jonathan), and Raegan Hill (Jamie Howington); grandchildren, Brandon Johnson, Shane Johnson, Lowry Moye, Calum Moye, Haley Cotton (Hunter), Austin Hill, Morgan Hill, and Breanna Howington (Maven McCoy); great-grandchild, Bailey Bembridge; siblings, Brenda Williams, Mary Carter, Judy Morris, and Patsy Futrelle; and a special family friend, Heather Paramore.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.
