November 13, 2025, 73, Princeton —
Donnie Sherrill Braswell, 73, of Princeton passed away Thursday, November 13, 2025 at SECU Hospice House in Smithfield. He was born on December 9, 1951 in Johnston County to the late Robert “Pete” Howard Braswell and Hazel Woodard Braswell. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Christopher G. Braswell.
Donnie worked with the tobacco companies, working at Smithfield, traveling to Mexico, and finishing his career in Rocky Mount , he retired with Universal Leaf after more than 30 years. He was a very kind, polite man, always willing to help others. He loved traveling to Puerto Rico and went as often as he could.
Donnie was diagnosed with leukemia in 2021 and received a bone marrow transplant in 2022. We are very grateful to his bone marrow donor and to all the healthcare professionals that have looked after him since that journey began. This gave him a few more years to enjoy life, traveling to Puerto Rico a few more times. Most importantly, he got to see his first grandchild, Jayce who was born in late January of this year. Although healed from the leukemia itself, he developed graft vs host disease and other complications of the treatment and spent his last months at UNC Chapel Hill. He often said of his health struggles that he was in a win/win situation because he put his faith and trust in Jesus Christ. If he was healed on this side of heaven, it was a “win” and if not, going to heaven was a bigger “win”.
Donnie is survived by his son, Jason Braswell of Smithfield; daughter, Jessica Braswell (Sam Neumann) of Princeton; grandson, Jayce Neumann; brother, Howard Braswell of Princeton; an uncle, Jimmy Woodard (Polly) of Princeton; an aunt who has become a second mother, Carol W. Evans of Pine Level; special cousins, Mark and Janet Evans of Princeton; best friend, Lucy Labrado of Puerto Rico; a niece, Shannon Conde (Jeremy) and numerous cousins, neighbors and friends.
The Memorial Service will be held at Casey Funeral Home and Cremations at 7:00 pm Monday, November 17, 2025 with Reverend Percy Coleman officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.
Although flowers are welcome, the family suggests contributions be made to Johnston Health Foundation, P.O. Box 1376, Smithfield, NC 27577, in Donnie’s name.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.caseyfh.com.
Casey Funeral Home and Cremations is honored to serve the Braswell Family.
