Search by Name
Search by Name
Donna C. Arrington CHARLOTTE - Donna Cullen Arrington, age 69, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family and friends on Monday, May 13, 2013. She was born in Evansville, Indiana to the late Charles Edward Cullen and Sarah Omer Cullen. She was a member of Myers Park Baptist Church. Donna was a person who believed in living an authentic life. She believed in family, fostering good friends with similar values and in living the truth. Passions included her love of yard sales and that one spectacular find, the love of flowers and English Gardens, her home, and all of those special haunts around her home. Her commitment to service was deep as exemplified by her work in the Peace Corps, at the United Way, and as the Senior Director of the Regional HIV/AIDS Consortium. Her strengths were collaboration and facilitation. She could always help others think outside the box to find middle ground. Her empathy, compassion and intellect were manifested in relationship building. Donna always believed in taking the "high road." Her greatest gift of all was her spirit a spirit way too big for this world. Donna embraced outdoor adventures with hiking, kayaking, backpacking and walking. She loved those "shorts and sweatshirt" kind of days. She loved her dog Murphy Brown devotedly and worried about her more than herself. Donna especially loved to walk Murphy at sunrise, Donna's favorite time of day. Probably the greatest accomplishment in her life was her daughter, Sarah, followed closely by her two granddaughters, Madison and Abby Cate. They affectionately called her Nanmommie. Nanmommie was determined to establish traditions with the girls by introducing them to new things, such as summer camps at The Cornwell Center, Santa's Bag, Easter Bunny pictures at Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens, and plays at ImaginOn. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister-in-law, Sue Cullen. Donna is survived by her daughter, Sarah Arrington Holman and her husband Randall; granddaughters, Madison and Abby Cate; partner in life, Cathy Morelli; sister, Bettye Hutchison and her husband Rodney; brother, John Cullen; nieces, Christie Cullen Barany and husband Jason, Lauren Cullen Cooley and husband Paul; nephews, Tim Hutchison, and Todd Hutchison and wife Stephanie; and let's not forget her dog, Murphy Brown. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at Myers Park Baptist Church. Inurnment in the church columbarium will take place immediately after the service, followed by a reception in Heaton Hall. Memorial contributions may be made to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Charlotte, 4530 Park Rd. #240, Charlotte, NC 28209 or to Myers Park Baptist Church. Condolences may be offered at www.HarryandBryantFuneralHome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by anonymous.
Donna and I spent time together working at United Way here in Charlotte. She was a valued colleague. I've had a chance to visit with her and the girls on some of their outings to Children's Theatre for Santa's Bag and our productions. I'm so glad the girls will have those fond memories to treasure. Keeping you in my prayers.
Linda Reynolds
May 21, 2013
I knew Donna by an association I had with her as a student at UNC-Charlotte. We graduated in the same class. Donna hosted a joyful celebration of our graduation at her home. Donna's smile was contagious. I know she will be missed. Anne Rhodes
May 19, 2013
Miss Donna was a wonderful person with a great personality and ability to share her positive attitude with others! I was blessed to be part of PCSB in Daytona Beach, that received TA from AIDS United! You will be sadly missed Miss Donna! Much love! May you live with the angels!
Mary Bennefield
May 15, 2013
Your family has so many fond memories of Donna, may those memories soon begin to replace the sadness in your hearts. As you continue to cope in the coming days please look to God for comfort. (2 Thess 2:16, 17)
R Butler
May 14, 2013
I worked with Donna in the Planning and Allocations office at United Way and was inspired by her. She researched HIV/AIDS, then went on to found the HIV/AIDS Consortium. She really cared about helping others. Charlotte and all the surrounding counties of the Consortium will miss her. Blessings to her family.
Linda Hansen
May 14, 2013
My love, thoughts, good memories are with you Sarah. Your mother was a wonderful person with a great heart.
Jill Allen-Hennessey
May 14, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Donna was a wonderful neighbor and I always enjoyed our talks on the sidewalk with Murphy. My condolences to Donna's family, friends, loved ones and to Murphy. I will miss her.
Mary Dickson
May 14, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
David& Judy Woodward
May 14, 2013
I had many phone encounters with Donna, but I only met her face to face once. She was warm, vibrant, funny -- just a delight to be around. My condolences to her family and friends.
Hortense Hunter
May 14, 2013
Donna was a fantastic mentor to me while I worked under her inspiring leadership at the Regional HIV/AIDS Consortium. Her dedication to helping others was truly inspirational.I send my my prayers and condolences to her family.
Terry Ellington
May 14, 2013
Donna often thought of others before her self she was a great lady and I'm glad to have known her.
Angela Montuori
May 14, 2013
So sad to learn of Donna's passing. we were High school classmates at East Meck. Class of 1961 and about to have a 52nd reunion in Sept. Last time I saw Donna was at Belk/Southpark several years ago. My sympathies to all her family and friends.
Florence Girard Sparks
May 14, 2013
I only knew Donna for a short period of time. But even in that brief amount of time I felt as though I had known her for longer. Her spirit and presence was very powerful and comforting. My condolences to her family and friends, she will be missed.
Mary Turco
May 14, 2013
Donna had a wonderful way of making me smile every time I
saw her. She was a sweet and gentle person and a great friend
to me for many years. Sarah is so much like her Mom in that
way and truly exhibited that strength in caring for her Mom.
Donna will be sorely missed by all who knew her but that
great spirit will live on. God must have needed her more.
Thinking and praying for the family and Murphy at this sad time.
Love, Pam
Pam Thompson
May 14, 2013
Donna was a very early and important leader in the fight against AIDS. She was also very kind and caring with her friends living with the disease --- and they appreciated her so much. I was always very grateful for her kind guidance and friendship when I was involved with MAP. My thoughts and prayers are with Cathy and all of her family.
Hal Chapple
May 14, 2013
She was a wonderful late-in-life friend and I will miss her humor, spirit and my recent walks with Murphy Brown. My love to her family, friends and Cathy.
Bobbie Campbell
May 14, 2013
Donna was an amazing woman and friend. I really enjoyed the the opportunity to work with her - her passion for life and for those less fortunate was obvious. I appreciate her years of service to the nonprofit community. Thoughts and prayers to family and friends.
Edgar Villanueva
May 13, 2013
What a beautiful tribute. Donna's spirit lives on in all the lives she touched; too numerous to count. Her presence in my life was a precious gift. Sarah, your strength and grace in caring for your mom was a joy to behold. Blessings to all of Donna's family and friends.
Laura Ellington
Laura Ellington
May 13, 2013
Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results
Funeral services provided by:
CLOSED-McEwen Funeral Home & Cremation @ Myers Park500 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28207
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more