Donna Carter Obituary

SURGOINSVILLE - Donna Kay Carter age 60, of Surgoinsville, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Sunday (12/24/23).

She was employed with the Hawkins County Sheriff's Department for 14 years, 10 of which she was a 1st Sgt, until her health forced her to retire in September of 2023. She fought a courageous battle, in the past year and a half of her life with cancer and the aftereffects of cancer.

Donna was a kind, loving and simple person. She didn't need the best to live life. She was happy with the smallest things from working in the yard, growing her flowers and spending time with her family and grand babies. Her unending Love in the Lord gave her the faith that she could trust her journey, the Lord had put her on. Even in her worst days, she always made sure that everyone else was okay. She always put other things before herself. Her smile always lifted us up.

She attended Mt. Vernon Independent Missionary Baptist Church and Long Hollow Primitive Baptist Church.

She is preceded in death by her dad; Clarence Allen Carter, Sr. and Nicholas's dad Keith Fortner.

She is survived by her son; Nicholas Fortner (Lexie), daughter; Leslie Bethea of the home, grandchildren; Sincere (Skysha), Layla and Gracelynn Bethea, great grandchildren; Milani and Kyson Bethea, whom she adored, mother; Ruth Carter, sisters; Robin Greer (Scott), Cathy Lawson, Janice Greer, brothers; Allen and Rick Carter, special niece; Zoe Armstrong (Brody), who always called her "Nonnie", several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, a host of friends, co-workers and special friend; Autumn Armstrong.

The family would like to thank Holston Valley ICU Dept. for taking such good care of her during her brief sickness and everyone who has brought food, sent words of kindness and all the prayers that have been sent up on their behalf.

The family will receive friends 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Friday (12/29/23) at Christian-Sells Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 1:00 pm Saturday (12/30/23) in the Chapel with Rev. Billy Linkous, Rev. Danny Bell and Lt. Butch Gallion officiating. Burial will follow at Hawkins County Memorial Gardens.