Submitted
Donna Covington Cranford, 65, of Hamlet died Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025 at her home with loved ones present.
She was born in Richmond County on Dec. 29, 1959 to the late Ernest Raymond Covington and Shirley Carlisle who both preceded her in death.
Donna is survived by her husband, Deon Cranford Jr.; daughter, Cayce Holmes; son Deon Cranford III (Laura); sisters, Janet Yannone (Cy) and Cindy Daniels (Dwain); grandchildren, Carma Rae Pressley, Cameron Holmes, Aubrey Cranford, Atticus Wise and Callie Wise.
Donna‘s memorial service will take place at First Baptist Church of Hamlet on Saturday, Aug. 9 at 10 a.m. with a burial service to follow at Richmond Memorial Park in Rockingham.
Per Donna’s request, there will be no open casket or visitation ceremony, but her family will welcome other family and friends at The Ballroom (3 West Ave., Hamlet) on Friday, Aug. 8 from 3–6:30 p.m. for a celebration of life.
Donna was a devoted member of the First Baptist Church of Hamlet, where her unwavering faith and devotion to Christ were evident in every aspect of her life. First and foremost, she was a believer and follower of Jesus, and she lived out her faith with grace, compassion and purpose.
Her love for her family was boundless, and she excelled in her roles as a loving wife, devoted mother, and proud grandmother. Her warmth and wisdom were a source of strength and comfort to all who knew her.
To many in the Hamlet community, Donna was affectionately known as “The Porch Lady.” Her flower garden bloomed with beauty and care, and her presence in her front porch rocking chair became a beloved fixture on Hamlet Avenue. From that porch, she shared daily Bible messages, responded to prayer requests, and offered inspirational and motivational reflections through social media. Her gentle spirit and encouraging words touched countless lives, and her legacy of faith and kindness will continue to bloom in the hearts of those she inspired.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Tunnels to Towers Foundation, Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN), causes that were dear to Donna.
Watson-King Funeral Home in Hamlet is serving the Cranford family.
