Donna Marie Jefferson

Donna Marie Jefferson, 77, of Kansas City, Missouri, a devoted believer and faithful servant of God, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by family on January 7, 2026.

Donna was born on June 22, 1948, in Lincoln, Nebraska, to Benjamin Jefferson and Helen Naomi Walker. She was raised in Bonner Springs, Kansas, where she attended Bonner Springs High School. At the age of 16, she moved to Los Angeles, California, where she later graduated from Susan Miller Dorsey High School.

After attending Roosevelt College (now Roosevelt University) in Chicago, Illinois, Donna began a distinguished career at the heart of the entertainment industry. She worked as a legal secretary for prominent entertainment law firms in both Chicago and Los Angeles, bringing professionalism, warmth, and unwavering dedication to her work. Known for her meticulous attention to detail, methodical approach, and ability to navigate high-pressure and sensitive situations with grace and humor, Donna earned the respect of colleagues and clients alike. She became not only a trusted professional but also a cherished friend, working with some of the most prolific and influential figures in the music industry.

Donna later married Charles Johnson in 1970.

Beyond her career, Donna was a woman of extraordinary taste and flair. Her love for fashion was not merely a passion but an art form. She expressed herself effortlessly through style, creating her own distinctive look and trend, while transforming everyday moments into experiences worthy of lively conversation.

Donna was steadfast in her faith and deeply committed to her spiritual life. She worshipped at Shiloh Baptist Church in Chicago and studied the teachings of Frederick K. C. Price in Los Angeles. Her faith served as a guiding compass throughout her life, providing strength and direction, particularly as she lived most of her adult life as a courageous Lupus warrior, beginning in her early twenties.

Those who knew Donna recognized her as intelligent, astute, quick-witted, and unapologetically opinionated—an engaging conversationalist who loved her family and friends deeply and wholeheartedly. She embodied a no-nonsense, down-to-earth, disciplined, and uncompromising approach to life, balanced beautifully by her gentle, soft, sweet, and kind-hearted nature.

While her faith, experiences, determination, and independence grounded her, they also fueled her love of adventure and travel. Donna lived in several places throughout her life, including Michigan, Arizona, New York, and Virginia. Above all else, she will be remembered for her laughter—bright, contagious, and sincere. Family and friends were the center of her world. She had a remarkable ability to bring people together, filling every room with her smile, sparkling eyes, joy, and love of life.

Donna’s kindness, grace, and joyful spirit leave an indelible mark on all who were blessed to know her. Her legacy lives on through the memories and stories shared by those who loved her.

Donna is survived by her siblings: Al-Amin (Andre) Jefferson of Cook County, Illinois, Dalerond Jefferson of LaPorte County, Indiana, Michael Jefferson of Orleans Parish, Louisiana, Marsha Watson of Johnson County, Kansas, Michelle (Marilyn) Watson of Platte County, Missouri, Prentice Watson of Wyandotte County, Kansas, Virgil Watson of Johnson County, Kansas, and L’Tonya Wheeler (Cole) of Wyandotte County, Kansas; as well as a host of beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and many devoted friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings: Benjamin Jefferson Jr., Cheryl Jefferson, JoAnne Sanford, Larry Wheeler, and Willie Wheeler.

Donna will be dearly missed and forever remembered with love, admiration, gratitude and with the words and sentiment, “I did it my way.”

Services will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Memorial Park Cemetery, 8251 Hillcrest Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64138. The service will be presided over by her cousin, Apostle LeRoy McConico, Jr.

We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of sympathy and support we have received during this difficult time. Thank you to The Moore Family, The McConico Family, and The Apostle LeRoy McConico for serving as pillars of strength. We are especially grateful to Al-Amin (Andre) Jefferson, Prentice Watson, and Irene Wheeler for their unwavering love and attention and to St. Luke’s Hospice for their professional and compassionate care. Your efforts have been a source of comfort and solace during this time.