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Donda West Obituary
Donda West died Saturday night in Los Angeles, said the spokesman, who asked for anonymity because not all family members had been notified.
"The family respectfully asks for privacy during this time of grief," the spokesman said.
A cause of death has not been released.
Donda West was known for the strong bond she shared with her son, by whose side she was often seen at parties and award shows.
Kanye West, 30, often spoke of his close relationship with his mother, who raised him alone after her husband left when Kanye was 3.
She was the inspiration for the song, "Hey Mama," on Kanye West's 2005 album "Late Registration," in which he sings: "Hey Mama, I wanna scream so loud for you, cuz I'm so proud of you ... I appreciate what you allowed for me. I just want you to be proud of me."
Donda West frequently defended her son against critics who accused him of penning misogynistic lyrics and other purported transgressions.
"I support my baby," she said in a Chicago Sun-Times interview. "He is telling how he feels and he is speaking the truth as he sees it."
In May, she published the book "Raising Kanye: Life Lessons from the Mother of a Hip-Hop Star," in which she paid homage to her famous son.
Donda West served as chief executive of West Brands LLC, the parent company of her son's business enterprises, and as chairwoman of the Kanye West Foundation, an educational nonprofit that works to decrease dropout rates and improve literacy.
Kanye West told the Associated Press in August that he and his mother worked together to devise the foundation's first program, "Loop Dreams," which helps public school students get involved in music.
"Me and my mother were discussing ways to give back and came up with the concept," he said.
Donda West worked in higher education for 31 years, before leaving academia in 2004 to help manage her son's career, according to a biography on the Kanye West Foundation's Web site.
She began working at Chicago State University in 1980 and eventually chaired the school's English department, according to the site. She started her teaching career in the early 1970s as an instructor at Brown College in Atlanta.
Kanye West's writing partner Rhymefest lamented Donda West's death Sunday in an appearance on Chicago radio station WCGI.
"She was everyone's mom," Rhymefest said. "A spirit never dies, a spirit lasts forever."
Copyright © 2007 The Associated Press
1669 Entries
LIZZIEBEE
April 22, 2025
LOOKING AT ALL OF THE COUSINS NAMES, WE NEED TO KNOW WHO THE COUSIN IS. RIP MS DONDA WEST
MF RUVAL
September 24, 2024
One of the saddest stories in rap history. You made a great son m'am
DeWayne Nelson
March 17, 2024
Rip Mrs.west you will be dearly miss thanks for birthing a legend YEEZY!!
rd
November 16, 2022
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
How you can show support
Queen Sister
August 26, 2021
Blessings from "Queen2Goddess"... I greet you as humbly, as I know how. When summonings your Spiritual Presence, Guidance & Assistance with the perfect solution, at the perfect time, in perfect peace & perfect way. "Village Panacea"... It's Healing Time! RestWell & Raise In Paradise.
Your Sister "Queen Sister"... "GoD's" Servant!
Patrice Spain
August 23, 2021
God, has another Angel. You will forever be remembered through the lives you've touched.
Connie Lawson
August 8, 2021
I extend my sincere condolences on your loss.
Doc Ivy. Kankakee Illinois
August 3, 2021
May you be remembered forever
Continue to rip
Rob Agn
July 22, 2021
Rest in peace you were loved
Krissy McKinney
October 20, 2020
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Krissy McKinney
October 20, 2020
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
L Love
July 15, 2020
Continue to Sleep in Paradise Ms West!
❤
Charles F Seymour
July 14, 2020
Such an accomplished woman that certainly deserved more time on earth and so many people will never get to see the extraordinary gifts she gave to all of us - RIP
Cass M
May 20, 2020
An amazing person and so inspiring. You have done well for us here on earth. Rest in Heaven
Coltrane Howell
November 9, 2019
Continue to Rest In Peace Mrs.West, your presence is greatly missed. Continue watching over Kanye West for all of us.
L Love-Pittman
October 14, 2019
Continue to Rest In Peace Mrs. West
Esperanza Weyer
August 14, 2019
Rest In Peace donda, thank you for always watching over Kanye and his family. You'll never be forgotten
Gwendolen Jones
May 3, 2018
Kanye West' mother was such an accomplished woman, mother, etc. her life seemed to be well lived, and full of accolades and honors. She was a very ambitious, hard working, and a well educated woman.
Marticia Banks-Booker
May 2, 2018
Douglass Trojans love our alumni. Prayers for the Williams-West Family always.
Lisa Johnson
December 5, 2017
Gone Too Soon.
Dr, Sherwood SNYDER
July 23, 2017
Visited the Chicago State University campus today in my attempt to find addresses for some of those phenomenal students we shared way back then, when Kanye played on the office floor and before the two of you went off to China. What halcyon days those were. We shared an interest in theater and music and I, even now, am moved to tears over your rendition of AMAZING GRACE, sung a cappella at Jim Friend's memorial service. Come to think of it, when ever the department need a "song" you were there. We missed you when you left the department. That emptiness was deepened beyond description upon your death. Sweet sleep dear Donda.
Peggie Williams
May 30, 2017
I miss you so much, Donda, after all these years. Thinking about you recently and reminiscing over the Class Reunion we celebrated last together make me miss you more as an upcoming 50th is within a few months. Dance in heaven like you did we were at the Class reunion in 2007 and in Houston in 2005 for the Dedication to You and Kanye presesented by my church then.
F Jones
November 30, 2016
I pray that the reciprocal love your dear Kanye and you share will cascade over him as he continues to grieve you. I pray for internal peace for him and eternal peace for you. You set a great example of who a strong Black woman is and I thank God for sharing both of you with the world. Inspiration and love at its greatest, Bless You.
November 29, 2016
You were the light and will continue to burn in my heart for ever....
Louis Meza
September 2, 2016
Wow. What a woman. So much accomplished and done. There is a reason Kanye has for loving her as much as he does. May she rest in piece
Valenda Newell
June 26, 2016
WHAT A LADY!!...EDUCATOR..MOTHER TO SUPERSTAR KANYE....THAT'S ALL I NEED TO KNOW....MANY BLESSINGS TO FAMILY & FRIENDS.....RIP
Sharon Ingram
March 18, 2016
R.I.p aunt donda
Ingrid Kaden-dos Santos
February 11, 2016
Thank you!
Sergeant Jakki Redding
February 2, 2016
I don't know u, just know u from TV and what I read about u KIM and lil North and now Sait West.... Me and Kim have the same birthday 21 Oct, MAY GOD BLESS U AND UR FAMILY...I know how it feels to lose a MOTHER, PRAY FOR ME AS I PRAY FOR U, I developed PTSD from the Army, if my mommy was alive I would be well, I cry every night for GOD to keep me sane, I'm crying now/// I say this to say this Keep ur mom near to ur heart like I do. It's the only reason I get up in the morning I"m on a PTSD unit right now for Military veterans....PLEASE KEEP US IN UR PRAYER.
Trazhon Williams
June 30, 2015
R.i.p aunty donda wish I got the chance to get to know u better my grandpa James west said u were one hell of a lady
lisa watson
May 15, 2015
Sleep in Heavenly Peace. Gone but Never Forgotten!!!
B Willis
April 14, 2015
rest you have accomplish alot I admired you in so many ways you are a role model for so many..Thanks for what you have done..
Elaine Davis
March 12, 2015
R.I.P.
February 25, 2015
You were an extraordinary woman. God has called you homes. RIP. VUU Class of 1989
Fabien Dupont
February 16, 2015
Rest in Peace Dr. West. I am sure you would have loved to have met your adorable granddaughter, North.
Ian King
February 6, 2015
What a wonderful and inspirational women. Such a shame that we don't have the educator, leader and most of all mother. She should be an inspiration to us all. Lets never forget.
M Williams
January 3, 2015
RIP Mrs. West.
Tammy Ewing
December 31, 2014
Rest in peace
Tanya Perry
November 2, 2014
I know your mom is smiling down on you. When i see pics of North i always say i know your mom is smiling in heaven. May God bless you Kanye!
Sharon Ingram
October 18, 2014
Hi Kanye and Kim its Sharon. Thinkn about u and aunt Donda. Wanting to speak with u wen u get time. I miss u. Call me 918-829-1720. R.I.P Aunt Donda I love u Nori west
Sandy Williams
September 7, 2014
Hi Kanya
I hope you, Kim and North have a happy life together. I often think of your mother Donda, I still feel the sadness in my heart. I WIll ALWAYS REMEMBER WE WERE BORN ON THE SAME DAY july 12. I bet we were so much alike.
Take care Son,
Sandy
Janice Brantley
July 16, 2014
RIP Donda we here in OKC think of you often. .Love to your son and family. ..
July 13, 2014
One Love forever.
July 10, 2014
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
July 9, 2014
Rest in peace until the God of all tender mercy will call, and you yourself will answer... what a day that will be!!!
Ag nc
a trusted servant of god almighty
July 6, 2014
May god take u under his wing and lift u high in the sky and release you in the heavens above.kanye west do what god wants u to do and the right thing that your mother would want u to do.god bless your family and may god watch,protect and guide the new addition to kanye family kim and baby north god bless .
Aliona Mary
June 2, 2014
Kanye ,your mom's books refelcts to my own life.Thank God u had a great bond.May the lord make you stronger.RIP Donda W West.
May 25, 2014
I know you mom would be proud of your wedding and your little girl. May more blessing come to you and your family.
Tiffany Randall Tillman
April 13, 2014
Psalm 23
ashley wilks
January 16, 2014
Sorry for ur loss love u kanye
Dee Harr
November 10, 2013
Kanya, I read your Mother's book about raising you. Matter-of-fact, I read it twice, and will read it many times more. I did not know your Mother, but loved her, and so respected how she raised you. Please always remember your Mother's teaching, and you will do well in life. All the best for you and your family.
Karen
September 15, 2013
Thinking of you and North West. May GOD have favor and blessings on the West and Williams family.
August 16, 2013
I did't know Ms West but I met her wonderful father Portwood.... A great man... so I know you Ms Donda West had to have been a great woman......R.I.P Ms Donda.......now rest in peace Mr Portwood.......Gods angels.......love you
Marilyn Smith
June 24, 2013
I remember you from drama class at VUU. You were awesome! You were ahead of your time!
Nia Jones
June 20, 2013
Kanye really hope your baby honors your mommy's name!
Liana Cruz
June 13, 2013
R.I.P <3
k win
June 4, 2013
r.i.p you raised a great son and your legacy will live on thru him and your granddaughter
May 10, 2013
R-I-p.
Christine Detvay
April 13, 2013
I think it would be nice to honor your mom when your baby is born this summer..
donna wainwright
March 26, 2013
+You are truly a wonderful person R.I.P. you will always be in our hearts forever you have your wings Angel you have been promoted to HEAVEN!!!
November 29, 2012
I love you!
D El
July 26, 2012
Love you always
Elselena
June 15, 2012
To Kanye, Donda was one of the nicest people I knew. I still think about her. I miss her very much.
NorveLa FLuddrice
November 8, 2011
To: Kanye',family members, friends, and love-one's,........ CondoLences is sent your way in the lost of your beloved Mother...
September 30, 2011
My deepest sympathies go out to you and your family.
May GOD continue to guide your family by means of His holy spirit to give you strength and comfort during this time of sorrow.
D. Clark
carma garrison
May 24, 2011
r.i.p.+ms.donda+west+you+will+never+be+forgotten.my+heart+goes+out+to+kanye+and+the+west+family.
lindsey
January 31, 2011
The West family have my deepest symphaty for the loss of their dear love one. There is nothing like a mother's love. Once you no longer have it in a physical since you miss it. We thank our Creator for the capacity to remember. So to the family remember and smile. Know also that the God who comforts all will also comfort you.
April 2, 2010
For Donda...an exceptional
human being.
WEEP NOT FOR ME
Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.
Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.
I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.
Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.
Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.
Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.
© Joe Fazio
~
[email protected] /Joe Fazio,
Beverly Hills, California
Mrs. Areatha Payne
August 19, 2009
To the family of Mrs. Donda West,
Keep praying to the Hearer of Prayers.
There's going to be a Resurrection of our dear loved ones one day soon.
~ Acts 24;15
NIKKIE
May 8, 2009
HAPPY MOTHERS DAY MAMA WEST
Braheim Wilson
March 18, 2009
I remember crying when you and your mom did "hey mama" on life and rhymes........The bond between you and your mom will never faulter....be strong and keep doing the West Brand music..........
Alexander Macdonald
September 27, 2008
Kanye i am deeply sorry for the death of your mother she will always be with you whatever venue you play whatever city you are in. Your mother loved you deeply and you loved her deeply as well, Just think of all the times you had together and that she is looking over you. All My Love xxx
Maria Jesus Alonso
September 11, 2008
God made no mistakes
he always has a plan, and sometimes we don't even understand, but it's always for better.
A great person and mother.
Much love Mr. West.
For you and for your family.
Vanessa and Brittany
January 9, 2008
im so sorry , we know you loved your mother dearly. everything is going to be okay. you will get through this, she was a great inspiration to us all. kepp doign what your doing! =)
TANISHA JOHNSON
January 9, 2008
KANYE, THE LORD TOOK YOUR MOTHER BEACAUSE THERE WAS NEED FOR HER UP ABOVE. JUST REMEMBER THE GOOD TIMES AND KNOW SHE LEFT ALOT OF LOVE, NOT ONLY WITH YOU BUT WITH THE LIVES SHE TOUCHED. SO BE BLESSED AND FEEL PROUD THAT YOUR MOTHER WAS A CHILD OF GOD AND KNOW ONE DAY YOU WILL SEE HER AGAIN. LOVE,TANISHA JOHNSON AND FAMILY ROCKFORD,IL
Brenda Freso
December 18, 2007
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
ZSA ZSA WELCH
December 13, 2007
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Richard Soltys
December 13, 2007
My prayers and thoughts are with you on the loss of your dear mother.
Brenda Hill
December 13, 2007
No words can express the loss that you are feeling right now. The loss of a Mother is a loss of great magnitude at any level of life for our Mother's are our best friends. When we are sick mom is there, when we fall down mom is there to encourage us to get back up again, mom is there when our friends walk away and turn backs on us. I can say this because my mom too is my best friend. There is no touch, no words, and especilally no love like a Mother's love. Kanye please know that if your Mother could do this all over again she would because she truly loved you. You comforted her in a time of storm and she was your guiding star throughout your path of life.
Please know that wherever you are so is your mother, she will always be in your heart and in your mind. Whatever you do stay strong and be encouraged.
Michele Sanders
December 10, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Adrienne Bennett
December 10, 2007
Kanye
I continue to pray for spiritual comfort in your time of loss.
Stay focused on all that your mom taught you. You were her life. I lived with you and your mom for several months while I was a student in Atlanta. You were an energetic toddler that she truly cherised. She was a strong woman and wants you to continue your success and to find true internal happiness. She will always be with you. She was here on this earth long enough to see your success. That was God's special blessing for her. She knew you had made it and she continues to smile down at you from heaven.
Take care, stay in prayer and be comforted by the Holy Spirit. And you know that Jesus walks with you.
Tanya Ewing
December 5, 2007
I am so sorry for your families loss. I am from Chicago and I know how strong our mothers had to be to overcome so much adversity being single mothers and strong black women. My mother died on Christmas 2007 I was so hurt it was very sudden. I am caring for my disabled brother in my moms absence from my brothers and I lives. I send my prayers out to your family. Tanya Ewing
Reece, Wesson and Hopkins Families
December 4, 2007
KANYE
Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family.
GOD BLESS
Jenell,Stephaine,Anita RN's
December 4, 2007
Psalm 121..I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills,from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord,which made heaven and earth....Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire West Family.
jennifer howard
December 4, 2007
my prayers are with you, you just keep doing what'MOMMA WEST"wanted you to do.when times seem rough just remeber"HEY MOMMA" she's forever watching her"baby" you were her life.
Ashley Manuel-Caldwell
December 3, 2007
This was truly an awesome woman. Before the extra blessing of her son being a success, she was indeed doing things.
"What don't kill you can only make you stronger"! I pray that during the holiday season that you will continue to be blessed. This is one of the hardest times when life has gotten a little rocky. Through the grace of God our Father, may His peace be with your family.
Trinnette Caldwell
December 3, 2007
Kanye, I'm so sorry for your lose, I really feel so much pain it's like I knew ur mom personally...This really touched me...Just remember to practice what you preach "What don't kill you only makes you stronger" Peace and Love my brother......Love u so much....xoxo
Carla Hammons
December 2, 2007
MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE WEST FAMILY. MAY GOD BLESS YOU DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME.
Theresa Cummings
December 1, 2007
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
Tiphani Tarantino
December 1, 2007
I'm so sorry to hear about your mom. I dont know exactly what your going through but I can relate because I recently lost my mother as well. Just stay strong and everything will get better in due time.
Front row, 1st on left, Edith Fairman (Cooper), 2nd on left, Donda Williams (West) ,1966 -- Douglass High School Concert Choir, Oklahoma City
December 1, 2007
Angail Wiley
November 30, 2007
Sorry about your mother Kanye she will always be remembered dont let it stay on you. You are a good man and your music is wonderful dont let this get you down LOVE YOU AND DONDA
carolyn williams
November 30, 2007
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Donald & Erma Walker
November 30, 2007
With deepest sympathy to Kanye and the West family, we feel as if we knew Donda on a personal level, you could tell she was such a loving person and gave so much back to the community. Stay strong in the Lord and surely he will see you through, he knows how much you can bear, trust and lean upon him for strength during this difficult time, GOD is not far he is so near. We love you in Christ.
Catrina Rhodes
November 30, 2007
Kanye, I feel Your pain, I too lost the greastest gift God can give to you, a mother. It is like loosing yourself for the moment, but as painful as it may be we have to go on and live and continue to make them proud. My prayers are with you. May God guide you in the way you should go.
JENNIFER RUSSELL
November 29, 2007
IM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOST, THERE'S NOTHING NO ONE COULD SAY TO EASE THE PAIN OF LOSING YOUR MOTHER, I EXPERIENCED IT JAN 2006. AND I JUST WANTED TO SAY GOD BLESS YOU AND REMEMBER ALL THE GOOD TIMES..
ANDRE Z PORTIER,SR
November 29, 2007
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
Joyce Smith
November 29, 2007
Kanye and Family, I am truly sorry for the loss. I know how it feels to lose the one you love the most. I lost my mom and dad and I'm only 26 years old. Didnt get to experience many great years with them. Time definitely heals all wounds, and you will get better and stronger and keep moving forward in your life and career because thats what you are supposed to do. Take it one day at a time and do what ever it takes to make you feel better, even if you have to keep writing. Get it all out, it's better that way. Cry until you cant cry no more, but just know that she is still here watching over you. May god bless you and yours...
ROSEMARY FLOYD
November 29, 2007
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
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