Donna Dianne Cuthrell Lewis

On the morning of June 21, 2024, as the sun was coming up to start a new day, Donna Dianne Cuthrell Lewis passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by loved ones. She was a beloved wife, mother, Nana, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Dianne was born on October 2, 1946 in Enfield, NC, where she spent her formative years. She is the daughter of the late Elmer Eugene Cuthrell, Sr.  and Ruth McDaniel Cuthrell. Dianne was preceded in death by her brother, Elmer Eugene Cuthrell, Jr. and her nephew, Elmer Eugene Cuthrell III. Her primary education was in Enfield and she later attended Hardbarger Business College in Raleigh, NC. She worked for Cameron-Brown at the First Union National Bank in Raleigh, NC. On December 1, 1968, Dianne married the love of her life, Albert Vanmeter Lewis, Jr. and the two made their home in Farmville NC. Dianne then transferred to the First Union National Bank in Farmville and later began working in accounting at McDavid Associates, Inc with her husband. The two of them created a beautiful life together and went on to have three daughters.

More than anything, Dianne was whole-heartedly devoted to her family. She loved spending time with her husband, children and grandchildren. She was unfailingly there to offer guidance, support, and encouragement, no matter what challenges they faced. Van and Dianne have nine grandchildren, and “Nana” holds a special place in each of their hearts because of the love, time and attention that she gave to each of them. A common theme in her life was caring for others and she always gave freely of herself. Dianne truly had a servant’s heart and it was evident in the way she lived, from her childhood until her final breath. As a child, her admiration and devotion to her grandmother were displayed by her constant desire to be with her. As a young wife, Dianne spent a year living with Van’s parents while he was serving in Vietnam, creating a unique bond with them. When she became a mother, she embraced her role completely and dedicated herself to caring for her girls. She played an active role in caring for Van’s parents, aunt and uncle in their later years. When the time came for her to become a grandmother, she was the very best Nana anyone could ask for. Even as she aged, she never stopped serving others. Jesus taught us that we should love others in the same way that He loves us, and Dianne lived a life that reflected these teachings.

As an engaged member of the Farmville community, Dianne often could be found volunteering for various causes and organizations. She was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Farmville, where she was involved in many roles over the years. Dianne specifically supported the music programs at FBC, as well as the Farmville Arts Council.

She thrived working in her garden and keeping her yard pristine. She never turned down an opportunity to spend time with her toes in the sand at Atlantic Beach and was truly in her element when she was on the ocean fishing for Spanish Mackerel. Traveling and vacationing with her family was a priority, and the memories of those experiences will forever be treasured. She fell in love with the beauty and tranquility of Hawaii, her all-time favorite place to visit. Dianne was a loving and loyal friend to many. She was a true lover of all animals; dogs, cats and especially her horses. She enjoyed following the Morgan horse show circuit to Oklahoma as well as traveling to Kentucky to embrace the culture surrounding the horse racing industry.

Dianne is survived by her loving husband, Van, her children, April and Chad Ross of Raleigh NC, Angela and Clint Myers of Chapel Hill NC and Ashley Lewis of Morehead City, NC, and her grandchildren, Avery, Tate, Carter, Daly, Tyson, Charlee, Levy, Zayden and Lily. She is also survived by three siblings, Ruth Arita Cuthrell, Kathryn Carol Cuthrell, and John Aubrey Cuthrell and her niece Susan Cuthrell Johnson. A lifetime of wonderful memories will be cherished by all who knew her.

Special thanks for all of the love and dedication shown to Dianne by her caregivers Kim Owens, Sharan Kicklighter, Aletha Cummings, Theresa Olson, Diane Byrd, and all of the staff at Pruitt Health. It was through the love, kindness and shared faith of these angels that we were able to provide Dianne with light, laughter and joy right up until her final days.

A celebration of life service will be held for family and friends on Wednesday, June 26 2024 at 2:00 PM at the First Baptist Church of Farmville, NC. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association, https://act.alz.org/site/TR/Events/Tributes-AlzheimersChampions?pg=fund&fr_id=1060&pxfid=890006 or the First Baptist Church of Farmville.

Online condolences may be made at www.farmvillefh.com.

Arrangements by Farmville Funeral Home.