Donna Lorraine Kendrick (Lansing)

On Sunday, April 24, 2022, at 11:16 a.m., the cycle of life closed, the challenging circumstances ceased and Donna Lorraine (as her daughter calls her) found peace with her Heavenly Father at the age of 66 years old.  She was born on January 19, 1956, in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, to the parents of Odie Ann Griffin & Scott Kendrick. In her preteen years, the family including two other sisters and brothers moved to Lansing, Michigan. They settled in as her parents started their culinary career at Capitol Park Hotel as head chef and caterer.

Donna tested the disciplinary system at several schools in the Lansing area and finally became a graduate of Everett High School.  She later worked at Fisher Body briefly where she met George Robert Brown (deceased).  A true friendship blossomed, and they eventually had a beautiful daughter who became their pride and joy.  However, Donna decided one angelic daughter was enough.

DK transitioned from manual labor and overalls to sophisticated office attire commencing her employment at MESSA in 1978. She held many roles ranging from General Clerk to Benefit Analyst. Her union positions were equally impactful as she was the SSA President, Association Prep, SSA Grievance Chair, SSA Bargaining Chair, USO Delegate, USO Bargaining Team, and NSO Delegate. She set the definition of a true advocate and her triumphant stories will continue to be shared for many years to come.

Donna also enjoyed barbequing for her family and close friends, shopping, and sewing! If they didn’t have it in her size or style, she would simply make it. She wasn’t much of a purse lady, but when she stepped out, her boots and heels were always something to see!

More than anything, DK’s kindred spirit was like no other. She had a way of making you laugh no matter the situation.  Her generous spirit, sharp tongue, chicken and dressing, beef stroganoff, peach cobbler, monster cookies, and sweet potato pie will surely be missed by all who loved her.

Donna was a devoted mother, sister, friend, and occasional bodyguard when needed. A faithful member of Tabernacle of David, giving countless hours to the Mobile Food Pantry, she spent many years volunteering and encouraged (voluntold) her daughter and grandchildren to follow suit.

She leaves to cherish her memories her most precious baby girl, ReChelle Inez Kendrick; Grandchildren: CheRelle Arieonde-Lorraine Kendrick and KJ Brown; Great-grandchildren: Arielle Inez James, Nairobi Skye Brown, Chanelle Yvette James, and Baby Boy Brown (July 2022); Sisters: Patricia Ann Kendrick and Betsy Russell; Brothers: Eric Steven Griffin and Michael Griffin; Nephews: Darnell Willis, Aristotle Ford, Tyrese Griffin, and Eric Flowers; Nieces: Sakia Kendrick and LaTasha Patrice Kendrick; Honorary Daughters, Nieces, and Grands: Jonetta, Karletta Lafrance, Breanna, Jayden, NeNe, Stacey, Jonee, and Jamari; many cousins and other relatives and friends including special friends, Marjorie Stokes, Cindy Brown, Doug and Marcia, and Rochelle Shaner.

Donna was proceeded in death by her parents; her brother, Robert Wayne Radford; her treasured friend, Elroy Love; honorary daughter, Jacqulyn Manuel; and best friend of 50 years, Desiree Ford and Desiree’s sister, Delaney Lewis.