Donna Carol Raborn

Biography Donna Carol Raborn died December 8, 2012, at age 57, after a brief struggle with cancer. Ms. Raborn was active until the last few months of her life, surrounded by her family and friends.She loved to take long walks, reminisce about old times, help those in need, and spend as much time as possible with her grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her oldest daughter, Karen Deloris Raborn, and her father, Walter E. Blackman, Sr. She was born in Charleston, SC, 1955 and grew up in Aiken, SC. As an adult, Donna started her family and moved to Augusta, GA.She attended Augusta Technical College and earned a certificate in horticulture.She loved working with her hands, being outdoors, and watching beautiful flowers grow. Donna never met a stranger and never lost her sense of wonder. A butterfly landing on the sidewalk would spur a memory of her oldest daughter, just as a bird sitting on a branch of a tree would her father.A chance encounter in the produce section of a grocery store could prompt a lifetime relationship, if she thought you might be in need of a friend.She always had a kind word to say and refused to let life's trials and tribulations break her free spirit. Donna was a member of New Life Christian Center and her memorial services will be conducted there Wednesday, December 12, 2012, at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Brian Matthews officiating.New Life Christian Center is located at 3336 Wrightsboro Road, Augusta, GA. The family will receive visitors for one hour after the service. Donna is survived by:Two daughters - Kathleen Raborn of Augusta, GA, and Kelly Hernandez and her husband Enrique of Augusta, GA; her mother - Barbara B. Blackman, Augusta, GA; her brother - Walt Blackman, Phoenix, AZ; her sister - Pam Cooksey and husband Tommy of Evans, GA.Donna also left to cherish her memory ten grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and a multitude of aunts, uncles, and cousins.In addition to Donna's biological family, she had a special sisterhood with Wanda Cadle and Cindy Newsome of Sardis, GA, and Betty Kane, of Vacluse, SC. Donna's favorite color was red and her daughters are asking that guests attending the memorial service wear a little bit of red in her honor, if possible.Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society at 2607 Commons Blvd, Augusta, GA 30907. McNeill Funeral Home & Cremation Service 109 Shaw Street Martinez, Ga. 706.364.9122