Donna Accrease South

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Ms. Donna A. South.

Ms. South transitioned on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.

Services are entrusted to Davis Funeral Home, LLC, of Hartsville, SC.

Ms. Donna Accrease South was born in Newport News, VA on October 31, 1988. She was the fourth child of the Late Deacon Victor South, Sr. and Mother Loretta South. She departed this life on June 24, 2026. Her absence leaves a void in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her, as she will certainly be missed.

After graduating in 2007 from Woodrow Wilson High school in Portsmouth, VA, she earned a bachelor’s degree in 2012 at Old Dominion University, majoring in Biology.

Her career as an Educator began at Woodrow Wilson High School as a long-term substitute teacher and tennis coach in Portsmouth, VA. She moved to South Carolina and became a biology teacher at C. E. Murray High School in Greeleyville, SC. She later relocated back to Virginia and became a Science Teacher at Manor High School in Portsmouth, VA as well as a girls tennis coach. Her career also took her to W. E. Waters Middle School to teach Science and lead the Robotics Club.

She loved music and reading, meeting people, and working with students to encourage and empower them. Currently, she wasworking with the student summer camp this year and had quite recently learned to swim. She tutored students who needed academic assistance in her off-work hours and enjoyed the company of her dogs, Cassius and Carter. Donna always loved learning and helping others. She enjoyed three Mission trips to Jamaica, participating in a program that provided eyeglasses to underprivileged kids, always giving back to the community.

Donna served as the Biology Curriculum Co-developer from 2019-2021, assisting in revising and developing new instructional materials for use in the Portsmouth school district. She also served as the Freshman class sponsor from 2022 to 2023.

In October 2022, she accepted the task of PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) Coach. In this role she created districtwide lessons on school, culture, expectations, character building, and mindfulness for students. She visited and supported teachers and staff members in behavioral and academic support in the classroom. She also collaborated with administrators to create the PBIS Student Ambassador Club to gain student involvement in PBIS sponsored initiatives. Her contributions in Education made a lasting impact on students and teachers.

Her father, the late Deacon Victor South, Sr. and Mother Loretta South raised their children in The Church in the Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostles’ Doctrine, Inc., and Donna was one of the little redheaded baby girls with a big smile and beautiful eyes who will be lovingly remembered.

Donna was preceded in death by her father, Deacon Victor South, Sr.

She leaves those who cherish her memory: mother, Loretta South; siblings: Sisters: Sis. Charmaine (Minister John) Blount, and Nobie (Charles) Hales, Bro. Victor (Sis. Sheila) South, Jr., Bro. James South and Bro. Aaron ( Sis. O’Sha) South; nieces and nephews: Sis. Jonasia Blount, Bro. Jonathan Blount, Cali South, Josiah Blount, Victor South, III, Aaron South, II, Jayden Blount, Savannah South, Cameron South , Amina South, Miles South, Charles Allen Hales II, and Kobie Amir Hales; several aunts and uncles, as well as other relatives and friends, including a large church family.