Donnie Woodrow Mangum, son of the late Carlie Mangum and Mollie Mangum, was born on August 11, 1952, in Durham, North Carolina. He peacefully transitioned from this life at home in Dallas, Texas, on March 2, 2026. Donnie is survived by his devoted wife of 24 years, Ethel Mangum.
At an early age, Donnie accepted Christ as his Savior and became a member of Rock Spring Baptist Church in Creedmoor, North Carolina, where he began the spiritual foundation that would guide him throughout his life.
Donnie graduated from DuBois High School in Wake Forest, North Carolina, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from North Carolina Central University. He began a successful 35-year career in retail management with J.C. Penney Inc., where he was known for his strong work ethic, leadership, and engaging people. After his retirement in 2007, Donnie pursued new professional roles, including serving as a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones and a Tax Consultant with H&R Block (North Carolina); Substitute Teacher in the Milwaukee Public School System (Wisconsin); and a Real Estate Agent (Maryland and Virginia).
As a servant leader, Donnie was a 1985 initiate of the Chesapeake–Virginia Beach Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., where he served as Polemarch, and continued to serve a member of the Alexandria–Fairfax (Virginia) Alumni Chapter. He proudly embodied the fraternity’s guiding principle of “Achievement in Every Field of Human Endeavor.”
Donnie’s Christian faith and spirit of service were consistently present throughout his life. As a member of Rock Spring Baptist Church, he served as Assistant Superintendent for Sunday School, sang in the Men’s Choir, and actively supported church/community activities. In 2014, he joined Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia. Donnie faithfully served on the Usher Board, Discipleship Group #4 Officer, National Harbor Village Group Co-Facilitator, Men’s Carpenter Shelter volunteer, and in numerous events supporting the community.
Donnie was a man who cherished life, his family, and his friends. He enjoyed traveling, fishing, tennis, and basketball. His warm spirit, infectious laughter, and kind heart left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be remembered for his strength, his love for others, and his unwavering faith.
He leaves to cherish his precious memories his devoted wife, Ethel Mangum; his beloved daughters: Tianika Mangum of Centreville, Virginia; Taura White (Duane) of Chesterfield, Virginia; and Donnetta Mitchell (Gregory) of Royse City, Texas.
He was a proud and loving grandfather to six grandchildren: Sheyla Daniels, Shell Daniels Jr., Elijah White, Spenser White, RileyGrace Mitchell, and Gregory Mitchell Jr.
He is survived by his loving sisters, Elder Sandra Mangum Rogers and Pamela Mangum Tabron (Michael). He is also survived by his sisters-in-law Hazel Pickens (Alan), Jula Martin (John), and Talisa Napper, along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever cherish his memory.
Though Donnie’s earthly journey has come to an end, the love he shared and the lives he touched will remain in the hearts of all who knew him. His legacy of faith, love, and devotion will continue to live on through his family and all who were blessed by his presence.
HOMEGOING SERVICE
Saturday, March 14, 2026
Visitation: 12:00 pm
Kappa Burial Ceremony by Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity, Inc.: 12:30 pm
Service: 1:00 p.m.
Rock Spring Baptist Church, 3180 Bruce Garner Road, Creedmoor, North Carolina
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Michael Bruno sent Beautiful Dreams for Donnie Woodrow Mangum - March 14, 2026
Patricia Mangum sent The Peace Lily for Donnie Woodrow Mangum - March 12, 2026
William E. Watkins sent Gracious Lavender Basket for Donnie Woodrow Mangum - March 10, 2026
Elza Morgan sent Red and White Handled Basket for Donnie Woodrow Mangum - March 09, 2026
To My family words won't express what's in my heart. We were NYC kids who wanted to learn about southern living. Donnie was among many who embraced us and showed us the ropes. Some of these values and life lessons we still to this day live by. My cousin Donnie was strong,smart,a hard worker and very handsome (that smile was awesome). I know he will be missed however he has a permanent place in my heart and memory. My love goes out to anyone that Donnie's kindness or love has touched. Love cousin Myra Morgan Laster-Woodson
EThel and family, my heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to each of you. One of the many times that I'll always treasure is when Donnie and you surprised me in Vegas on my birthday. Donnie was truly a great friend who I will miss, but always remember. Amos Owens
Ethel and family, I'm saddened to hear of Donnie passing. Sincere condolences and prayers to you all during this difficult time. Catherine Johnson
We have no words that can express the tremendous loss that we feel at Donnie's transition. But, we know and believe what 2 Corinthians 5:8 says, ""We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord". Know that we love you just like family and we are praying for that the peace of God reigns and rules over your family through this difficult time and the weeks to come. We believe that Donnie is now resting in the arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and has taken his place at the welcome table to hear God say "His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.' Matthew 25:23. Be blessed Mangum family, we love you with the everlasting love of God. The Thomas Family
What a man .. What a wonderful life
TO: Sis. Julia Martin & Ethel Mangum Family,
On behalf of Hungary Road Baptist Church, we are saddened to hear about the passing of Donny Mangum. We stand here with you today to extend our love, prayers, and condolences to your entire family.
We know that his presence will be missed, but we also know that to be absent from the body, is to be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5: 8). We pray that God grants you peace at this difficult time and please let us know if there's anything else that we can do; forever in our prayers.
Sincerely,
Pastor Willie E. Smith, HRBC Chairman Deacon Ernest Redford Sr., Hungary Road Baptist Church Hungary Road Baptist Church
TO: Sis. Julia Martin & the Mangum Family,
On behalf of Hungary Road Baptist Church, we are saddened to hear about the passing of Donny Mangum. We are here with you today to extend our love, prayers, and condolences to your entire family.
We know that his presence will be missed, but we also know that to be absent from the body, is to be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5: 8). We pray that God grants you peace at this difficult time and please let us know if there's anything else that we can do; forever in our prayers.
Sincerely,
Pastor Willie E. Smith, HRBC Chairman Deacon Ernest Redford Sr., Hungary Road Baptist Church Hungary Road Baptist Church
TO: Sis. Julia Martin & the Mangum Family,
On behalf of Hungary Road Baptist Church, we are saddened to hear about the passing of Donny Mangum. We are here with you today to extend our love, prayers, and condolences to your entire family.
We know that his presence will be missed, but we also know that to be absent from the body, is to be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5: 8). We pray that God grants you peace at this difficult time and please let us know if there's anything else that we can do; forever in our prayers.
Sincerely,
Pastor Willie E. Smith, HRBC Chairman Deacon Ernest Redford Sr., Hungary Road Baptist Church Hungary Road Baptist Church
Heartfelt condolences & sincere prayers!!!! You will truly be missed but take your rest cousin, I will continue to be in your sister's corner. Until we meet again......much love, HS3.
Our deepest condolences during this difficult time. So sorry to hear the news of Donnie. He was a good man and we were blessed to have him in the family. Sending prayers up for Ethel and loved ones. Donnie will sure be missed🙏 🕊 Much love Patrick & Alena
Sorry about your loss. Donnie was a very sweet guy. When I went to North Carolina Central Donnie and and three other guys were the people I met. I remember us calling them the four tops. My prayers will be with you and hope and pray that you remember God would never let you down.
My sincere condolences to the Donnies' family. God bless and be safe in his faithfulness always. Mickey.
Condolences and prayers for the Magnum family. I knew Donnie and his family during our childhood years. Sandra, I'm so sorry to hear about the lost of your brother. May Donnie rest in peace. McCoy Rogers San Antonio, Texas
Heartfelt condolences to Silhouette Ethel, daughters and the entire family! Brother Mangum will be always remembered for his gift of friendship! We stayed in contact down through the years. His winsome personality was evident and consistent through all the highs and lows on life's journey.
We are saddened to hear of Donnie's passing and send our sincere condolences and prayers to Sandra, Pam and other family members during this difficult season of bereavement. We are praying for your comfort strength and peace. May Donnie rest in Heavenly Peace with the ancestors 🙏🏽🧎🏾♀️🕊️
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