Donald Lee Etheridge

I have fought the good fight: I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. – II Timothy 4:7

As much as our hearts sadly yearn for one more glimpse of his face, on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, God called Donald Lee Etheridge home.

Donald, affectionately known as “Pumpkin” to his family, was born on November 11, 1970, in Chesapeake, Virginia, to Veary Mae Basnight. Donald suffered a cardiac arrest on November 3, 2024, and after a courageous fight and being surrounded by his loving family, he peacefully transitioned at the age of 54.

Donald received his education in the Chesapeake Public School System and later earned his GED at Woodstock Job Corps in Woodstock, Maryland. He also obtained a certificate in Carpentry, a skill he was proud to learn and practice. Throughout his life, Donald worked as a Warehouse Worker, demonstrating dedication and a strong work ethic in every role he undertook. 

Donald was a kindred spirit with a deep love for Reggae and Hip-Hop music. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and brought joy and warmth wherever he went. He was always greeted with love and open arms, a testament to his kind and generous nature.

Donald was predeceased by his grandmother, Bessie Etheridge, his niece, Tynisha Southerland, and his brother-in-law, Michael Marshall.

Donald’s life and memory will forever be cherished by the hearts of those who loved him. Cherishing his legacy are his mother, Veary Goorasingh; his significant other, Shameka Mills; his children, Nicole Lucas and Adrianna Etheridge; three sisters: Kristina Marshall (his twin), Virgil Newsome, and Juanita Coley (Theo); one brother, Jamar Newsome; six uncles: Harry Basnight, Oliver Basnight, Vernon Basnight, Wendell Basnight, Sherman Basnight, and Eddie Basnight; one aunt, Donna Moss. Holding him dear to their hearts are his loving cousins: Rita Basnight and Neeah Odom, his childhood friends, whom he called “His Brothers”; Johnnie Swain (Sugarman), Jackie Yancy (Wise), and Jerome Phillips (Rome); his caretaker, Barbara Kearney; three grandchildren and countless nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends who loved him dearly.