Obituary of Donna Lynn Tarleton Hughey

Donna Lynn Tarleton Hughey - the middle of the "SharonDonnaKim" trio of sisters as they were known when called to household duties as children - passed triumphantly on to a new life on August 2nd, 2015. Donna was born September 23, 1960 in Charlotte, NC, marked from birth with her ear tag that endowed her with special powers, including her warm spirit and kind heart. Donna grew up quickly, packing and leaving home at the tender age of 5 to seek her destiny (only to return less than an hour later). Queen of the neighborhood jungle in her childhood, she spent the weekdays at play (and occasionally at school) until Friday afternoons when she would furiously tidy her messes before her salesman dad showed up for weekend inspection. In adulthood, Donna sought long-term personal relationships and was gifted with two bright and loving children, Courtney and Lane, from her marriage to Chip Hughey. She developed a fondness for NASCAR, and specifically Jeff Gordon, and dreamed of a quiet retirement in a country home with a fishing pond. Donna made peace with the cancer that would ultimately take her away, bargaining for more than 6 years of coexistence when it sought a limit of 5. Donna used those years well, developing, enriching and reestablishing ties with friends and family, traveling both physically and virtually, and marrying her long-time partner Sharon Rivers. Donna is survived by spouse Sharon Rivers, children Courtney and Lane Hughey, parents Ed and Shirley Tarleton, and siblings Terry Tarlton, Rick Tarleton (and wife Joanne Cono), Sharon Smith and Kim Hansen (and husband Mark Hansen) as well as many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her loyal 4 legged rescue dog Grover. We will all miss her terribly. A memorial service in her honor will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2015, 11:00 a.m. at: Seacoast Church 500 St Andrews Road Columbia, SC 29210 In lieu of flowers, donations by check may be made to: Caris Hospice 121 Executive Center Columbia, SC 29210