Donna Jean Watkins Sowers, 71, passed away on Sunday, October 23, 2022 at her home in Kinston. She was preceded in death by her parents, Isham Faison Watkins, Jr. and Jean Harlowe Price and sister, Sharon Watkins.

Donna was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She retired from Lenoir County Department of Social Services and had worked as the Office Manager at Carolina Motor Sports and as the Bookkeeper at Kin-Ref, however, being a wife and mother were the most important roles she had. Donna was a member of Bethel FWB Church.

She is survived by her husband of almost 53 years, Charles Sowers of the home; daughters, Deanna Jenkins and husband Brandon of Kinston, Melissa Southerland and husband Philip of Kinston; son, David Sowers and wife Brandee of Kinston; grandchildren, Jackson Jenkins, Hunter Southerland, Makenna Sowers, Camryn Jenkins, Parker Southerland, and Peyton Sowers; brother, Gary Watkins and wife Maxine of Kinston.

Visitation will be held at Howard-Carter Funeral Home from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 26, 2022, and at other times at the home of Deanna Jenkins.

A funeral service will be held at 1100 a.m. on Thursday, October 27, 2022 in the chapel at Howard-Carter Funeral Home with burial to follow at Westview Cemetery with Pastor Jimmy Sowers, Pastor Chris Truett, and Pastor Bert Potter officiating.