Donna Jean Kimbrough's Obituary
Donna Jean Kimbrough was born Friday, March 30, 1951 in Fort Wayne, Indiana to
the union of Donald Eugene Russell and Margaret Helen Russell. She was preceded in
death by her father, Donald Eugene Russell; grandparents, Charles Culpher, Carrie
Culpher, William Otto Russell and Kathrine Russell; and brother, Robin Andrew
Russell.
Donna confessed hope in Christ at an early age. She was a dedicated member of New
Northside Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the Late Rev. Dr. Willie J.
Ellis, where she also carried sons to church with her. She was active on the Missions
Board, Girlfriend Fellowship Connection, and she spearheaded the grant writing to
fund the New Northside Banquet and Community Center. She sang in the choir while
serving as a choir director, and volunteered her time until her health declined.
Donna received her education from Concordia Highschool. She majored in theater and
earned a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from Valparaiso University (Cum Laude),
and a Master’s Degree in Business from Maryville University, respectively.
Donna married Leotis James Kimbrough on June 6, 1979. Her proudest life dream
was to have children. To this union, three handsome sons were born: Devlon
Kimbrough, LeDon Kimbrough, and Sean Kimbrough, of whom she loved deeply.
Donna opened her home to many people who were down on their luck. She was a
mother to many in the neighborhood. She was best known for her cooking. She served
as a long time Civil Rights activist for the Black Panther Party and was an active
member of the Historic St. Louis Dred Scott commemorative committee. She was
instrumental in hiring the first 600 African American employees at McDonnell
Douglas. She was the only woman selected by Mac to travel to Japan to train and
serve as company consultant for Lean Six Sigma and helped implement millions in
cost savings initiatives. She was the coordinator for the first Miss Black America
Pageant in California. Even in her illness, she remained selfless in helping others,
rather than thinking of herself.
Donna leaves to celebrate her life and cherish her memory: her devoted mother,
Helen Russell; her loving sons, Devlon (Jennie) Kimbrough, LeDon Kimbrough, Sean
Kimbrough, and bonus son, Jonathon Montgomery; her brothers, David (Carol) Russell
and Mark Russell; her grandchildren, M’Kane Knox, Kyra Kimbrough, Kailise
Kimbrough, Brianna Mabins, Tayln Kimbrough, Zariah Kimbrough, Xavier Atkins, Croix
Kimbrough; her one and only husband, Leotis Kimbrough; and a host of family and
friends
What’s your fondest memory of Donna?
What’s a lesson you learned from Donna?
Share a story where Donna's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Donna you’ll never forget.
How did Donna make you smile?