Obituary

With deep love and sadness, we announce the passing of Donna Patricia Swan who passed away peacefully on July 10, 2026, at the age of 74.

Born on October 10, 1951, in Jamaica Queens, NY. Donna lived a life defined by love, kindness, strength, and compassion. She touched the lives of everyone who knew her with her generous heart, warm smile, and unwavering devotion to her family and friends.

She was a beloved Mother/ Bonus Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, and Friend whose greatest joy came from spending time with those she loved. Whether through her comforting words, homecooked meals, or quiet acts of generosity, she made everyone around her feel welcome and cared for.

Donna is survived by her daughters Desiree Holman (Rob), DaVonne Hamilton-Swan, Dionne Swan & Bonus daughters Karen Smith (Sherry), Michelle Williams, and Katora Timberlake. Grandchildren Tionna Matthews, Tierra Davis, Devin Williams, Tra’Quane Swan (Lex), Quinton Matthews, Antonio Swan (Mesha), Richard Lee, Elijah Holmes, Deonte Wingfield, Nychelle Backus, Sean Backus and Zyelle Swan. Great Grand Children Aariyah Matthews, Zion, Naomi, Remy, Reign & Journi Swan. Siblings Anita Vaughan & Shawn Taylor (Tamara), Judith Greene and a host of Nieces and Nephews. She was preceded in death by parents Augustus and Kathryn Taylor, Brother Augustus Taylor Jr., Sister Beverly Hogan (Victor), Daughter Da’Nita Swan and Daughter in law Yolanda Hamilton-Swan.

She was also blessed with devoted friends who became sisters Stephanie Townsend, Bonnie Brisbane, Janie Fletcher, Judy Green, Jackie Watts & Ersell Dortch who walked beside her throughout the journey of life. Through seasons of joy and sorrow, celebrations and challenges, they shared laughter, offered unwavering support, and created memories that will be treasured forever. Donna cherished the love and loyalty they shared until the very end.

She also cherished her cousin Doreen Taylor, for their countless talks, laughter and love. they were confidantes, constant sources of encouragement.

To so many beyond her own family, she was simply—and lovingly—known as “Grandma Swan.” With her warm heart and welcoming embrace, she made everyone feel like they belonged. She had a remarkable way of making people feel loved.

Donna valued education and believed in continually growing both personally and professionally. She attended public schools in Queens, New York, and graduated from Francis Lewis High School in 1969. Determined to build a meaningful career, she went on to earn her cosmetology license from Wilfred Academy for Cosmetology in 1971, where she developed the skills to help others feel confident and cared for. Donna’s career reflected her lifelong commitment to serving and caring for others. After earning her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) credential from Richmond Tech, she devoted many years to nursing, providing compassionate care to countless individuals throughout the Richmond, Virginia, area. She served at HCA and Bon Secours hospitals and provided nursing care within the Virginia Department of Corrections, where she treated every person with dignity, respect, and compassion.

Even as her own health began to decline later in life, Donna’s dedication to caring for others never wavered. She continued her work as a pediatric contract nurse, bringing comfort, kindness, and expert care to children and their families. In addition to her nursing career, Donna answered another call to public service by serving as a Deputy Sheriff with the Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office in Virginia. Whether in healthcare or law enforcement, she approached every role with integrity, professionalism, courage, and a genuine desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Donna’s unique career as both a nurse and a Deputy Sheriff often inspired one of her favorite jokes. With her unmistakable sense of humor and infectious laugh, she would often say, “I could shoot you and then bandage you up with no problem.” It was her playful way of acknowledging the unusual combination of professions she loved. Those who knew Donna understood that behind the joke was a woman whose true calling was helping others.

Donna accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at a young age, and her faith in God became the foundation of her life. She instilled those same spiritual values in her daughters while raising them, teaching them the importance of prayer, trust, and walking with the Lord. Donna believed that through faith, all things were possible, and her relationship with Christ gave her strength, hope, and courage throughout every season of life.

Her spiritual journey began at Calvary Baptist Church in Queens, New York, where she worshipped, sang in the choir, and established the Christian foundation that would guide her family. After moving to Richmond, Virginia, she continued her walk with Christ as a devoted member of Fifth Baptist Church and faithfully served for over 40 years as a member of the Fifth Baptist Mass Choir & Combined Choir. Through her songs, her service, and the example of her life, Donna shared God’s love with all who knew her. Her steadfast faith and servant’s heart will remain an inspiration and a lasting part of her legacy.

Her legacy of love, resilience, and kindness will continue to live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A visitation will be held on July 19, 2026, at Morrissett Funeral Home from 2pm-7pm. A funeral service will be held on July 20, 2026, at 10am at Morrissett Funeral Home, located at 6500 Iron Bridge Rd, Chesterfield, VA 23234. Burial will be at Dale Memorial Park.

We ask that you honor her memory by showing kindness to others, just as she did throughout her life. Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever in our hearts.