Donna (Brannon) Faulkner

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA

November 3, 1948 - January 30, 2026

Donna James Brannon Faulkner left this life on January 30, 2026 in the company of her two loving children. At the time of her death she was a patient at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Donna was born in Greensboro, NC on November 3, 1948, to Donald Augustus Brannon and Lillian Covington James Brannon. She was predeceased by her parents and, in 2017, her husband of 41 years, Donald Gary Faulkner. She is survived by her son, Chris Faulkner, daughter, Beth Faulkner Flanary (husband: Kyle), grandchildren, Charlotte and Grayson, sister, Hallie Smith, brothers, John Brannon (wife: CeeCee) and Jim Brannon (wife: Dawn), her sister-in-law Rebecca Faulkner Prevette, and her cat Turbo.

Donna was educated at Grimsley High School, Peace College, UNC-CH, and UNC-G. She loved design work, especially kitchens, and worked at Old Master Cabinet (Greensboro, NC) and Southern Cabinet Company (Charlotte, NC) before becoming a stay at home mom.  She was passionate about her volunteer work with CHADD and was a fierce advocate for children with ADHD.  She loved all her family and was especially enjoying the honor of being Nana. After family, her love went to her cats and the beauty of nature.  Donna had a passion for her family history and was always very proud to be the great great great granddaughter of Hinton James, the first student at UNC-Chapel Hill.  She will be remembered for her gracious nature, loving patience, willingness to help others, and her bright smile.  

Donations in her memory can be made to the American Cancer Society Rides to Recovery Program.  This unbelievable program helped Donna and her family out during her recent treatment and each volunteer driver provided more than a ride, but a comforting & empathetic companion during these times.

The family will hold a celebration of Donna’s life on February 28th at 12pm at Noble Smoke at 2216 Freedom Drive, Charlotte, NC 28208.

The Faulkner Family have entrusted arrangements to Cremation Society of Charlotte. 

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