JACKSONVILLE  -  Edna Arlene Hemmingway, 93, of Jacksonville, passed away on January 5, 2026, at Crystal Coast Hospice House in Newport, NC. Funeral services will be held AT 1:00 PM on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at Jones Funeral Home, Jacksonville Chapel with Rev. Ryan Hearn officiating. Burial will  follow at Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery.

Mrs. Hemmingway was born on April 14, 1932, in Richlands, North Carolina to the late James Alex Carter and Pearl Whaley Carter. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Conrad "Bill" Hemmingway; sisters, Dorothy Carter, Mary Carter James, Rannie Carter Whaley, Julia Carter Pickett, Paula Carter Williams, and Rhonda Carter Lee; brothers, Ralph Bryant Carter, Clyde Carter, and Alton Carter and step-sons, Mark Hemmingway and Bruce Hemmingway.

Upon graduation from Richlands High School, she started working as a federal employee at Camp Lejeune for nearly 40 years. While working full-time, she graduated from Coastal Carolina Community College with an Associate in Arts Degree, and graduated from Golden Gate University with a Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources Management, and a Master's Degree in Management. After retirement, she and her husband enjoyed being involved with the Fleet Reserve Association and their Ladies Auxiliary. Together, they traveled within the nine Regions of the United States. She was an active member of the local Ladies Auxiliary of the Fleet Reserve Association Unit 208, and is a Past National President of the LA FRA.

Arlene was the first female student school bus driver at Richlands High School.

Survivors include her children, Rick Sanderson of Sanford, NC and Donna Sanderson Hay (Michael) of Godwin, NC; grandchildren, April McElhenny (Brian) and Rachel Nuttle (Robbie); great-grandchildren, Sam Porter V, Jackson Nuttle, and Lilisette McElhenny; daughter-in-law, Vicky Sheaves Page; beloved grand dog, Goldie and several extended family members and good friends.

The family will receive friends Wednesday afternoon, prior to the service, beginning at 12:00 PM, at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Brookwood Baptist Church or Crystal Coast Hospice House.

The family wishes to thank the staff of SECU Crystal Coast Hospice House for their incredible care.