Donna Marie Oliver

Donna Marie Oliver passed away in Columbus, OH, at the age of 73 after a brief and intense battle with glioblastoma (brain cancer). Although stunned by the diagnosis, Donna leaned into her fighting spirit and gave life all she had, determined to live as long as possible with the hope of seeing her beloved grandson, Logan, graduate from high school. While this dream did not come to fruition, her family and friends surrounded her throughout her journey with love, support, and heartfelt expressions of gratitude for her life and the tremendous impact she made in the community. Donna will be truly missed.

Born on March 10, 1952, and raised in New Castle, PA, Donna was preceded in death by her loving husband, Henry Oliver Jr.; her first husband, Lester Spencer; her parents, Jerry Lee and Lillian Lee (née Fears), and William Alexander Higgs Jr.; as well as three sisters and two brothers.

She is survived by her devoted daughter, Jera L. Oliver; her cherished grandson, Logan C. O. Marshall; and her sisters, Linda Lee of New Castle, PA; Phoebe (Lawrence) Lee of Columbus, OH; Philomena Jenkins of West Orange, NJ; and Carmella McLaurin of Guys Mills, PA. She also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and beloved in-laws who will remember her with profound affection.

Donna was a proud graduate of New Castle Senior High School and Ohio Dominican University. Earning her bachelor’s degree as a nontraditional adult learner was a remarkable accomplishment that reflected her tenacity and love for education. 

Over the course of her five-decade career, Donna worked across several sectors, including insurance (Nationwide and VSP Vision Care), retail (Victoria’s Secret), healthcare (OhioHealth), education (Mansion Day School), and facilities (Scioto Services at NetJets). Her true passion, however, was community service. She was a dedicated volunteer with Women on the Move, Friends of Art for Community Enrichment, Ohio Wesleyan University Upward Bound, Columbus City Schools, and many other organizations.

Donna’s family is forever grateful to their St. Philip Lutheran Church family and to the care teams at Mt. Carmel, OSUWMC James CCC, Mill Run Rehab and LTC Facility, National Church Residences Hospice, TheKey Senior Home Care, and Compassionate Care Transportation for their exceptional support.

In lieu of sending flowers, please consider making a gift that is personally significant to you to one or both of the following organizations that meant so much to her:                                               

*Women on the Move: She was a devoted and cherished founding member of this auxiliary at St. Philip Lutheran Church. Mail or deliver donations to 1506 East Long Street, Columbus, OH 43203

*Mansion Day School: She was a grandparent volunteer from 2014-2016 and a part-time teacher’s assistant in retirement. Donate online: mansiondayschool.org/support/financial-contribution

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