Donna Michele Lorence

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Donna Michele Lorence. After a brief illness, she passed peacefully in her sleep while surrounded by her family in the early morning hours of Wednesday, May 14, 2025.

Donna was born October 6, 1964, and is survived by the lights of her life, her daughter, Olivia Lorence (Stephen), and granddaughter, Naomi Michele Denton of Columbus, Indiana. She is also survived by her much-loved parents, Barbara and Jim Carter of Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, her father Bob Padgett of Hampton, Virginia, her sister, Susan Padgett of Alexandria, Virginia, and her beloved nieces, Lauren Ranspach (Hampton, Virginia) and Julia Ranspach (Norfolk, Virginia), and her sister, Marie Warren of Hampton, Virginia. She also leaves behind her brother-in love, Mark Montel (Allyn) of Alexandria, Virginia. She is pre-deceased by her grandparents: James and Naomi Johnson, formerly of Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, Dora Cobb of Chesapeake, Virginia, and William Padgett of Weldon, North Carolina.

Donna graduated from Kecoughtan High School in Hampton, Virginia, Old Dominion University with a bachelor’s degree in education, and from Cambridge College with a master’s degree in special education. She was a long-time resident of Hampton, Virginia and served tirelessly as a dedicated special education teacher for over 30 years for Norfolk, Virginia Public Schools. Her impact on the lives of her special education students and their families leaves a legacy even today. She was enjoying her recent retirement after many years of service in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina.

Donna loved spending time with her family and friends, traveling, and planning special events. She had a unique gift for making others feel cherished—remembering birthdays and milestones and organizing celebrations that left lasting memories. A devoted animal lover, she had a soft spot for cats and adopted several who might otherwise have been forgotten. Donna also quietly embodied the spirit of kindness, often helping others behind the scenes and expecting nothing in return.

Special thanks to the dedicated and empathetic staff of Liberty Home Health and Hospice of Roanoke Rapids, NC.

A celebration of life that will honor her will be scheduled to be held at a later date that is still to be determined. Donations in lieu of flowers or other memorials can be made to Rainbow Animal Rescue of NC at: https://rainbowanimalrescue.org/donations.php .

Hockaday Funeral & Cremation Services is handling arrangements for the Lorence family.  Family and friends may sign the online register by visiting www.hockadayfs.com.