WAYCROSS — Mrs. Donna Rigdon Johns, 73, passed away peacefully in her home Friday, August 7, 2026, surrounded by loved ones.
She was the daughter of the late Katherine Murray Rigdon and John Edward Rigdon, of Waycross.
She was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert William Johns, Sr. They were married for 48 years before his passing. Their marriage was a beautiful example of devotion, and she lovingly doted on him throughout their years together. Their love remained one of the most defining joys of her life.
Mrs. Johns graduated from Waycross High School in 1971. After starting her family, she graduated from Valdosta State University with a Bachelor of Science in education and later obtained a Master of Science in education. Mrs. Johns dedicated many years of her life to teaching science within the Brantley County School System, where she touched the lives of many students and colleagues.
She was baptized at First Christian Church and later became a member of Second Baptist Church of Waycross where she continued to grow and deepen her faith. She loved the Lord dearly.
Mrs. Johns leaves behind her son, Robert William Johns, Jr., and his wife, Caryn Johns, of Waycross; and her daughter, Sandi Carter, and her husband, Paul Lee Carter, of Leesburg, Ga. She was a constant anchor to her family. She made our home warm, and she lived out her love through every homecooked meal, every word of encouragement and boundless patience. Her life was beautiful, and she said it often.
Mrs. Johns was a loving grandmother to three grandsons, David Daniel Carter, of Scottsdale, Ariz., John Luke Carter, of Leesburg, and Asher Paul Carter of Leesburg. Each of them brought her great joy and many cherished memories.
Mrs. Johns is survived by her caring sister, Larraine Lewis, of Waycross; her niece, Leslie Holland, and her husband, Jerry, and her nephew, Gerald Lewis, and his wife, Lynn. She also is survived by many other cherished nieces and nephews, including Robin Horne, Cindy Puckett, Peggy Delores Crawford, Jennifer Johnson, Edward Louie Johns III, and Benjamin B. James.
A funeral service was held August 11 at Second Baptist Church with the Rev. Daniel Harding officiating. Burial followed in Greenlawn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Second Baptist Church, 301 Tomberlin Road, Waycross, 31503.
Sympathy may be expressed by posting to her tribute wall at www.musicfuneralhome. com.
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