June 28, 2021, 80, Goldsboro –

Donald Ray Faison, 80, entered into the joy of His Lord after living a life of dedicated service to others on Monday, June 28, 2021. Donald was born in Wayne County on November 22, 1940 to the late Paul and Muriel Kornegay Faison.

Growing up in Mount Olive and attending Wayne County Public Schools, Donald developed a deep love and appreciation for education. Upon graduation from Carver High School in 1958, he attended Winston Salem State University, obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Education in 1962. Starting his career with the Forsyth County School system as a math and science teacher that year, Donald realized that this profession was indeed his calling.

Relocating to Detroit, Michigan in 1966, Donald continued his career with the Detroit Public School system teaching math and social studies while pursuing a Master’s degree in Elementary Education. Always the learner, he continued course work towards his Doctorate in Educational Administration.

Feeling a call to return to his roots, Donald came back to Wayne County in 1978, serving first as Assistant Principal of Grantham School. Continuing to mold the lives of young children, Donald was promoted to Principal of Pikeville Elementary School. After serving the students and staff there for a year, he advanced his career further by accepting the role of Principal at Grantham School from 1981-1984. He completed his tenure with Wayne County Schools with twelve years of service as the Associate Superintendent for Human Resources. He later accepted a position as the Human Resources Development Instructor for Wayne Community College, a position he maintained until his retirement.

Always willing to serve his fellow man, Donald participated in many community programs offering his time, experience, and knowledge. He was an invaluable asset to the Boards of Directors for United Way of Wayne County, Smart Start, and the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce. His educational experience provided excellent leadership as he served as the steering committee chairman for the Personnel Administrators of North Carolina, the membership chairman of District 2 North Carolina Association of School Administrators, and as President of the Wayne County Principals and Assistant Principals Association.

Donald valued his educational beginnings through Winston-Salem State University and repaid his alma mater through service as the Winston-Salem State University National Alumni Association treasurer, the Winston-Salem State University Alumni Scholarship Chair, and the president of the Goldsboro/Wayne Chapter of Winston-Salem State University National Alumni Association. Membership in the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity’s Phi Alpha Alpha chapter was important to Donald, as it reflected his dedication to Public Affairs and Administration.

Exhibiting a great love for his Lord, Donald participated as an active member at St. James A.M.E. Zion Church in Goldsboro. Contributing to the music ministry as a chorister, serving on the Steward Board, and chairing committees such as the personnel committee, the building committee, and the ways and means committee were a few of the many ways Donald showed his appreciation for the gift of love offered to us through Christ Jesus.

Donald will lie in state at Seymour Funeral Home on Friday, July 2, 2021 from 1:00 – 6:45 p.m. with the family present from 5:00 – 6:45 p.m. A service to celebrate Donald’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 3, 2021 at St. James A.M.E. Zion Church, 206 S. George Street, Goldsboro. He will also lie in state at the church Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until service time. Entombment will be at Wayne Memorial Park. Attendees are asked to wear a face-covering and practice social distancing.

Donald is survived by his wife of 56 years, Patsy Curry Faison; daughter, Patrice K. Faison; son, Cedrik P. Faison and wife, Shanta; grandchildren, Gavin Isaiah Faison, Samantha, Michael and Kendi Garnes; two nieces, Charletta S. Evans and husband Darrin and Shirlene Sims; three great nephews, Paul Evans, Darryl Wright and Marcus Wright; and a host of other family members and dear friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Shirley Faison Sims.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be given in Donald’s memory to the Phi Alpha Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Donald R. Faison Scholarship Endowment, P.O. Box 10245, Goldsboro, NC 27534.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.