Marilyn Mercedes Donawa

The family of the late Marilyn Donawa is saddened to announce her passing on September 10, 2025.

She was preceded in death by aunts: Minerva Washington, Gertrude and Esedra Powlis; Sisters: Rita Simeon, Shirley Marcus, Delores Hansen and Former Senator Alicia “Chucky” Hansen; Brothers: Louis Simeon and Joseph Marcus.

She is survived by her loving husband: Clarence Donawa; Daughters: Former Senator Norma Pickard-Samuel, Donna Pickard, Myrna Pickard, and Lerena L. Donawa; Sons: Clarence Donawa Jr. and Alfred Donawa Sr.; Stepson: Michael Garnette Donawa.

She was blessed with grandchildren: Wilbur Francis Jr., Deshawn Samuel, Iba Kevin Popo, Ishmael Pickard-Burgos, Tiniqua Knowles, Confe-Ivette and Alexandra Burgos, Zamarilyn and Zaniquah Pickard-Davis, Jarilyn, Jillene and Jeneida Donawa, Ian E. Fleming Jr., Tariq O. Alejandro Sr., Alfred Donawa Jr., Kamau Phillip, Nazion Abraham, Kamilah, Kalil, Nyahrah, Nyahjah, Ahijah, Ashay, Afyah and Malaysia Donawa; and 43 great-grandchildren.

Brothers: Lorne “Chunky” Harrigan, Wade “Tex” Harrigan, Kenneth “Chubby” Williams and Enrique “Pinky” Williams; Adopted sister: Ada G. Williams; Brothers-in-law: Kenneth Donawa Sr. and Esdel Hansen Sr., Daughter-in-law: Jodie Donawa.

Godchildren: Melba Edney, Wilfred Williams Jr., Merlene Rodney and Shavoy Jones.

Special friends include Wilma Rodney, Lorelei Hall, Iona Jones, and many others too numerous to mention.

Family and friends viewing will be held on September 30, 2025, at Divine Chapel, 129 Peter’s Rest, between 3-5pm.

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at City of Refuge Worship Center, #303 Barren Spot, viewing at 9am, service at 10am.

Interment follows to Christiansted Cemetery.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul.” — Psalm 23:1–3