Corliss Jeanice Donald

We celebrate the life of Corliss Jeanice Donald 71, who passed on September 27, 2025. Her grandmother (Momma) Annie L Donald called her "Peaches". Corliss was a beloved sister and aunt who brought joy and laughter to those around her, family, friends, caregivers and acquaintances. She was born on November 24, 1953 to Jessie Lee Donald Merritt in York, Alabama. Being born, in the south, in the 1950s there was not much done for those born with physical and developmental disabilities such as hers. This allowed for her to be cared for at home by her mother and the helping hands of her sisters. She could not walk or talk, which caused her to rely on family and others for her needs. The family moved to Cleveland, Ohio where she continued to receive care at home. Then, as a teenager, she was introduced into a facility in Mount Vernon, Ohio that started long term care. She was later moved closer to home and placed in Willowood Nursing Home in Brunswick, Ohio. When it was determined Willowood was no longer suitable, she was placed in a Transitional Living Center (TLC) a group home (Neff House) with eight residents located in Brunswick, Ohio. Although, she did not attend school she was very smart being able to understand every word spoken to her, responding with head nods and hand gestures. Through her journey she learned to partially feed herself, used a device which helped her communicate and learned to use wheelchairs that were adapted to her physical condition. She was able to maneuver the wheelchairs and became somewhat independent. That made her very happy. She was able to go from one location to another without having to wait for someone to move her which helped initiate a job at a rehabilitation workshop. Using her wheelchair, she delivered mail to various rooms until she retired. She would go on to volunteer at this same workshop after retirement. Long term care facilities allowed Corliss to live a happy and fulfilling life where she participated in lots of activities, sports (and won awards), trips to malls, fairs and movies. She enjoyed watching daytime soaps, game shows and listening to various types of music. She loved being able to come home on holidays to spend time with loved ones and laugh at everyone's jokes. Also, the summers, to travel and attend family reunions. Unforeseen circumstances resulted in Corliss coming back home to Cleveland in her latter years of life. She received devoted care by her sisters and family until her body began to fail her. Corliss is survived by her sisters, Sheila Donald Millington (Larry), Deborah Donald and Cherie Merritt; by her nieces and nephews, Terrell Millington (Crystal), Daniel Millington (Katy), Steve Allen (Felecia), Ta-Seti Thomas (Avery), Briana Allen and Shaina Millington; by her great nieces and nephews, Amarii Carter, Layla Millington, Zayn Allen, Audrey Millington and a host of cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents Michael Joe Mitchell Donald and Annie Lee Drake Donald, her mother Jessie Lee Donald Merritt; her aunts and uncles, Albert Donald, Joe W Donald, Julia E Johnson, Willie L Donald and Mary K Lindsey. Corliss will be deeply missed and forever remembered, laid to rest at Highland Park Cemetery, 21400 Chagrin Blvd, Highland Hills, OH 44122. Friends and family are invited to join the graveside service on Wednesday, October 1st 10AM