Donna Anita Dickson

Donna Anita Dickson, 73, passed away on September 18, 2025, in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Born on August 29, 1952, in Memphis, Tennessee, she lived a life marked by creativity, resilience, and deep love for her family.

Donna was the beloved mother of three children: Meagan A. Rivera Juracek, Morgan A. Rivera, and John E. Rivera II. Her pride in them was unwavering and ever-present throughout her life. She also cherished her role as a grandmother to John E. Rivera III, Steven E. Rivera, Russel L. Rivera, Ruby R. Rivera, Julian A. Rivera, and Aleksander N.R. Juracek. She wished she could have visited with them more. She shared a lifelong bond with her five sisters-Dana, Diane, Debra, Denise, and Dawn-who brought joy and strength to her through the years.

She grew up by the beach in Jacksonville, Florida, Key West Florida, and Virginia Beach, Virginia. She went to JD high school in Jacksonville Florida and graduated from Princess Anne High School in Va.Beach in 1970 during the Vietnam War era. In high school Donna was in band and drill team and Scepter Tri Hi Y. Donna attended Old Dominion University. She worked at Peoples Drug Store and later had a career in banking in Fayetteville, NC. She eventually moved to Southern Pines, NC where she managed the ABC store in Pinehurst, and made many friends. Donna was a long time member of Southern Pines United Methodist Church. She loved and appreciated her church family for all they did for her.

Donna had a vibrant and witty spirit, a great sense of humor, and a passion for the arts that defined much of her life. She was an avid reader until multiple sclerosis took her sight but never dimmed her imagination or love of stories. Music was another constant companion in her life-a source of comfort and inspiration-and she expressed herself through artistic pursuits that reflected her creative soul.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray Ralph Dickson and Mary Lillian Dickson.

Donna's warmth touched many lives; she loved everyone with an open heart and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

May her memory bring comfort to those who carry it forward in their hearts. A Memorial Service will be held on October 11, 2025, at 12:00 PM at Southern Pines United Methodist Church 175 Midland Rd, Southern Pines, NC 28387. The family will receive friends after to share memories and love for Donna.