What is your first memory of Donna? Share a favorite memory you have of Donna. Tell us about a special moment you shared with Donna. Describe a time when Donna made you laugh or smile. What is something you will always remember about Donna? Talk about a shared experience you had with Donna. What is something you did together that you enjoyed? Describe a place or activity that reminds you of Donna. Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving Donna. What is something you learned from Donna?

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Donna Lynn Dorwart

1954 - 2014

Donna Lynn Dorwart

1954 - 2014

Obituary

Guest Book

BORN

1954

DIED

2014

Donna Dorwart Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jul. 21, 2014.

Arrangements under the direction of Reeves Funeral Home, Hope Mills, NC.

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Recent Activity

July 26, 2014

Jennifer Royal Rogers posted to the memorial.

July 22, 2014

Teresa Seegars posted to the memorial.

July 22, 2014

The Dyer Family posted to the memorial.

6 Entries

Jennifer Royal Rogers

July 26, 2014

Oh, Mama. How I miss you. 143 ~Jenn

A Tribute to My Mama, Donna Lynn Biggs Dorwart

by Jennifer Royal Rogers

Proof of a life well lived is to leave a legacy of love. Now that my Mama's life here on earth has come full circle, I realize that is exactly what she did.

Mama always said, "This too shall pass."

I keep these words in mind as I begin working through the grief of losing her. I know one day the pain will subside, yet for now I am comforted in the fact that her work on earth was complete and she was called home by our Heavenly Father. He loves her even more than all of us left behind combined; a love like no other. The love she craved and searched for her entire life.

Now as most of you know, my Mama was a meek and mild woman who always remained serene and calm in the midst of calamity, chaos and stressful situations, except...

the time she thought a wasp had gotten into her shirt and she decided to rip her top off in broad daylight screaming as if she was on fire...

or the time she was so excited about being pregnant and attempted to fool her oldest daughter into thinking the pregnancy test was a bladder infection kit (as said daughter, I was not fooled, I mean who smiles like that over a bladder infection? A kit, really?)...

or the times she ran into the mailbox trying to back out of the driveway to go pick up a soft drink and some 'stop sign' crackers from the Quick Stop,

or when...

Well, ok, maybe meek, mild and serene are not accurate words to describe my Mama.

Who was Donna Lynn?

She was a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter and friend.

She was imperfect, impulsive and saved by grace.

She was vulnerable and selfish, beautiful and insecure, frightened yet hopeful.

She was loud, colorful, harsh and soft.

She was mended and broken, scarred and healed.

She was a walking contradiction, the embodiment of 'all or none'.

She loved her husband,

her children,

her grandbabies,

her sister,

her family,

her friends,

and her dogs.

She loved shopping and make up,

and jewelry and perfume.

and the precious memories of her Mama and Daddy.

Who she WAS is not important, it is who she is NOW that matters.

Now she is a child of God worshiping, celebrating and making a joyful noise to the Lord.

A little over a week ago my sister Kristen and I went over with the kids to visit Mama after church. Little did we know this would be the last time we would see her. Kristen and I sat with Mama on the couch, while most of her grandbabies played at her feet building with Lincoln Logs. Mama had bought a bunch of toys from the St. Matthews thrift store where she worked because her granddaughter Katelynn had told Mama that she needed to get some toys to play with at her house. Katelynn is the granddaughter that called Mama Nannie's Grandma because Mama's name was Grandma and she was always at Nannie's house.

Mama talked about how she wanted a big party and a cake for her 60th birthday, how she was going to get more toys for the little ones, and even talked about how she was thinking of joining the church choir.

The last words I spoke to her were that I loved her as I left her house that ordinary Sunday afternoon.

Kristen, my sister that I call 'Stinkerbell' attended the Mother's Day Banquet here at St. Matthew's with Mama this year. This meant so much to Mama, especially since this is something she used to do with Nannie and this was her first Mother's Day without her own Mama. Kristen had been talking about having a tea party for the longest time and was able to have her very first tea party with Mama at the banquet. We are now planning to have a tea party in Mama's honor, complete with Mama's hats so we may honor her and at least pretend to be true southern belles.

Just in case you are wondering why the song "What Child is" was played here today, this was a song Mama would sing to both Kelly and I as she scratched (rubbed) our backs when we were little. I, too, have continued this tradition with my own children. It is one of their favorites songs as well.

Speaking of my sister Kelly, she wanted me to add that she is and will always be grateful to Mama for giving her life and for giving her closure before she died. Mama left behind a very special letter for Kelly that I know will bring her great comfort in the years to come. Having a tangible gift stating how much your mother loved you is priceless and could never be replaced.

Among the many lessons my Mama taught me were the power of love and forgiveness, the power of answered and unanswered prayers and the redeeming power of God's love. He is in the business of transforming lives, and my Mama's legacy is a testimony to that.

And while this is not about me, I will share with all of you a poem I wrote and gave to Mama for Mother's Day that offers a snapshot of my childhood and will give you a glimpse into her life from this daughter's perspective:

I am from...

I am from mud pies, moon pies and a house with wheels; from the mills of hope, the eagle wood and the timber lake, from car ports and cross stitch.

I am from the sweet smell of sour dough bread baking in the oven, from the scent of rubber from the tire plant, the sight of sweet kisses, hugs and hand-holding.

I am from the scrap oaks and fire ants, the black-eyed susans and yellow jackets.

I am from dogwoods and bumble bees, the azaleas and honeysuckle.

I am from the tadpoles and whippoorwills, the dandelions and pine trees.

I am from new pajamas on Christmas Eve and big eyes and pug noses, from ‘Bless your heart!' and Minnie Jane, Lorene Jessie and Donna Lynn.

From Doodle, Leola and James Sherill.

I am from Royal and Spell, Daughtry and Biggs.

I am from the old wives' tales and farm country superstitions.

From 'this too shall pass' and ‘Lord willin' and the creek don't rise'.

I am from southern revivals, Sunday school, Confirmation and choir practice.

I am from He who will never leave or forsake me, my savior and friend, sweet Jesus.

I'm from the Carolinas, from Cumberland, Raeford, Sampson and Marlborough; from the mill village and dusty dirt roads.

I'm from collard greens and fatback, cold fried chicken and potato salad.

I'm from sweet tea, molasses, cape fear honey and salted grits with butter.

From the pageant queen in a wedding veil, from the technician with a heart of gold and strong convictions {what's right is right, what's wrong is wrong}.

I'm from the sugar plum fairy and the ode to joy, from warm cookies and milk and falling off a stool.

I am from fading memories and vintage photographs, from dog-eared worn and tear stained Bibles.

I am from name brands and hand-me-downs and fine china with rosebuds, yard sales and used books, crocheted blankets and knickknacks.

I'm from 'everything happens for a reason'.

There is a reason for everything.

Each of us have our own perspective, seeing Mama through the lenses of our own experiences.

The question is, who was she to you?

Teresa Seegars

July 22, 2014

My prayers go out to each and every one of you, so very sorry for your loss.

The Dyer Family

July 22, 2014

Although it's difficult today, may your memories comfort you tomorrow.

nancy greer

July 22, 2014

My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

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Donna McFayden

July 21, 2014

May the Lord give you comfort during this sad time of loss. Donna was always such a beautiful and sweet girl in school. Sherrill, may you and your family know you will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Wendy Johnson

July 21, 2014

As we travel in to my mom and dad's, I have had time to think about my Aunt Donna. I am reminded of many uplifting moments in her life. I will truly miss you. I will miss yoir beautiful blue eyes, sweet smile, your infectious laughter, family gatherings, and your love for me! Rest peacefully, Aunt Donna. I love you!!!

Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results

Funeral Services Provided By

Reeves Funeral Home

3308 North Main Street, Hope Mills, NC 28348