Donna Van Melton Madry, born November 3, 1955, died peacefully on November 3, 2024, at Wesley Pines Retirement Community in Lumberton.

She is survived by her son, James T.  Madry III (Paula Pisarek) of Front Royal, VA; nephew, Brandon K. Britt, and niece, Lauren E. Britt.

She was predeceased by her parents, James R. Melton and Lula VanHoy Melton, and sisters, Nancy Melton Britt and Judy Melton Ivey.

Donna graduated from Lumberton High School in 1974.  She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from NCSU in 1978.  Donna's early professional career included working with Jefferson Marketing in Raleigh.

Donna was a longtime member of Godwin Heights Baptist Church in Lumberton. As a teenager, Donna was a gifted singer and musician, flawlessly leading alto harmonies in youth choirs and in frequent duet or trio ensembles at her church and elsewhere. Donna was often featured as a flutist and also played the guitar. Although she lost her ability to communicate effectively in the mid-1980s, she was nevertheless able to sing in her church's choir and visit with friends for many years.

For decades, Donna was selflessly and cheerfully cared for by her sister, Judy, who expertly managed Donna's challenging medical issues and personal affairs. Judy's compassion and devotion, along with her uncanny ability to interpret for Donna, provided Donna with a quality of life that would not otherwise have been possible.

Donna's friends wish to express their deepest gratitude for the understanding, care, and skilled services of the Wesley Pines staff, who not only provided excellent medical care, but also worked diligently to understand Donna, and to provide her with countless small comforts.  Thank you for giving her a clean, safe ,and welcoming home, that included personal attention and true empathy.

A graveside memorial service will be held on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Gardens of Faith Mausoleum Chapel, 5190 N. Fayetteville Road in Lumberton, NC, with Pastor David Hawes officiating.

Memorial gifts may be made to:

Wesley Pines Retirement Community
WP Employee Christmas Fund
1000 Wesley Pines Road
Lumberton, NC  28358

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Godwin Heights Baptist Church
704 Godwin Avenue
Lumberton, NC  28358