Donna Sue Randell Johnson

Donna Sue Randell (Donna R. Taylor, Donna R. Johnson) went home to Heaven on June 8, 2026, following a massive stroke. 

Donna was born on December 18, 1941 to Robert William “Bill” and Jessie Catherine Gough Randell in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She graduated from Tulsa Central High School in 1959 before attending Oklahoma Baptist University. Donna married and had three daughters during the 1960’s, and also moved to North Carolina. When her youngest daughter started kindergarten, Donna returned to college, attending Campbell College while her daughters were in school. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. She worked for the Department of Social Services for several years before moving to the Department of Corrections. During this time, she also raised a bonus son and daughter through their teenage years. She retired at the end of 2003, after working for almost 30 years for the State of North Carolina. During her retirement, she enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren. Following a massive stroke in 2011, she lived with her oldest daughter until 2025.

Donna was known for being a wonderful and devoted mother, a loving and fun grandmother, and a loyal and caring friend. She was called “Mom” by her daughters’ friends, and “Oma” by her grandchildren and their friends. Donna enjoyed music and was a self-taught pianist. During her year at OBU, she sang with a Ladies Ensemble that traveled with a Jazz Band. She also sang in several church choirs over the years.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Anita Randell Jones; twin great-grandsons Shawn and Eli Boswell; her son-in-law, Vince Wagner; and her bonus daughter Danielle Johnson-Ihlenburg and infant grandson, Tyler Ihlenburg.

She is survived by her daughters: Christy Taylor Wagner, Karen Taylor Holder (David), and Julie Taylor Anderson (Todd); her grandchildren: Christopher Wagner (Megan), Megan Anderson and Taylor Wagner-McCall (Braxton); her great-grandchildren: Zaander Wagner-McCall, Jadelyn McCall and Tatum McCall; her brother-in-law, Donald B. Jones; her bonus son, Shawn Johnson (Lindsay); and her nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 12 to 2 pm at Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home.  A Memorial service will follow at 2 pm in the Jernigan-Warren Chapel.  

Memorials may be made to the American Stroke Association or to the American Stroke Foundation. 

Online condolences may be sent to www.jerniganwarren.com

Services provided by Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey St., Fayetteville, NC 28301