Obituary of Donna Carnes

Donna Johnson Carnes, aged 62, passed away surrounded by her family on October 23, 2024, in Haw River, North Carolina. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana on February 26,1962, Donna was a 1980 graduate of John Handley High School in Winchester, Virginia. She dedicated her professional life to coordinating neurology research at Duke University, a role she approached with diligence and compassion.

Donna cherished her personal time, often reading, enjoying the tranquility of nature while her husband Frank tended their garden, or visiting the Carolina coastline. Family was the cornerstone of her life, evident in her daily conversations with her daughters and the time spent with her extensive family in New Orleans. 

She leaves behind her loving husband, Thomas Franklin Carnes; daughters, Michelle Carnes (Kinnon Hope) and Brittany Carnes Melancon (Harris); father, Robert W. Johnson, Sr. (Mickey); siblings, Cynthia Tizzard, Leslie Johnson Dubroc (Eddie), Robin Johnson (Freddie Pendleton), and brother, Robert "Bo" Johnson, Jr. Donna's family extended to numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins who will miss her deeply. She was preceded in death by her mother, Carol Wilkinson Evans, and nephews, Anthony Pusateri, Stephen Pusateri, Mark Pusateri, Jr., and Liam Tizzard.

A celebration of life will be held at a future date to honor Donna's life in New Orleans. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to METAvivor - Metastatic Breast Cancer Research, Support and Awareness at www.metavivor.orgto continue her legacy of care and support.