Donna Lawton Mapes, born on July 26, 1941, in Norfolk, Virginia, passed away peacefully on April 19, 2025, in Virginia Beach, Virginia, at the age of 83. Her passing was due to complications from vascular dementia.
Donna lived a life filled with love and warmth, characterized by her passion for family gatherings and cherished holidays. She was best known for her exceptional cooking, which brought her family together and created lasting memories. Above all, Donna’s heart was devoted to her family; she loved them deeply and unconditionally.
Donna was a matriarch not only to her immediate family but also to her community. Her doors were always open to the neighborhood children, whom she treated as her own. Her generosity and guidance were a beacon of kindness and care, always willing to help those in need or offer gentle advice.
She was preceded in death by her father, Arthur Lawton, her mother, Blanche Hillburn White, her beloved husband, David H. Mapes, to whom she was married on January 9, 1960, her grandson, Christopher Mapes, and her brother, Bill Turner.
Donna leaves behind a loving family who will carry forth her legacy: her sister, Geneva Pounds; her sons, David Mapes and his wife Rachel, Daniel Mapes and his wife Cheryl; her daughters, Debra Cubitt and her husband David, Dianna Scarborough and her husband Harvey, and Darlene Worden and her husband Jason. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Lauren Price, Michael Thomas, Brittany Price, Brandi Mapes, Allyson Mapes, Danny Mapes Jr., Katlyn Thomas, Haley Whitesell-Mills, John Warren III, Adriana Mapes, Sebastian Mapes, and Emma Worden, as well as her great-grandchildren, Aubree, Addilyn, Mason, Orion, Alara, Alton, John, Jessilyn, Donnee, Sophia, and Mackenzie and her favorite niece, Sheila Myers.
Donna Lawton Mapes will be remembered for her boundless love, nurturing spirit, and the impact she had on so many lives. Her memory will continue to inspire and guide her family and friends, who will forever hold her in their hearts.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Dementia Society of America.
