Dona Jolinda Swann

A Time To Be Born

Dona Jolinda Taylor Gunn-Swann of Concord, NC born in Pittsburgh, PA on February 2, 1948 to the late Abraham and Ruth Taylor. She was the loving Sister of 6 siblings.

A Time To Learn

Dona, known to some as “Kevy” and “WWW” graduated from Westinghouse High School, Pittsburgh. She attended The Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and later graduated from Geneva College, Pittsburgh.

Dona had such an interest in fashions and attended Barbizon College for Fashion and Merchandise Design

A Time To Serve

Dona served in The United States Army Reserves, receiving an Honorable Discharge. Dona’s gifts and talents showed in all levels of her employment and career. For 10 years she was employed at Aldephi Village where she was a counselor for delinquent teenage males.

A Foster-parent for over 15 years to special needs children and adults. Her love reached out to unwed mothers as well. Dona was a certified Teacher and a Probation Officer in the state of Texas. Dona was a member of Christian Temple in Garfield where she accepted the Lord as her personal Lord Savior. There she served God in various ministries. Upon moving to Vandergrift, Pennsylvania, she was an active member of Vandergrift Baptist Church, where Pastor Barbara Gunn was the Pastor.

A Time To Live and Nurture

She was a very sophisticated, classy and elegant lady who meticulously dressed to the nines with every hair in place; matching purse and shoes. She loved to shop ‘til she dropped, not only for herself but especially for her children, grandchildren and everyone she loved. She had such a giving spirit and huge heart and she always sowed seeds of kindness.

Her children and family were most important to her. The grands and great-grands were her jewels of love. Dona dedicated her life to them and helping others she loved. She was always encouraging an inspiration to everyone who knew her. Dona’s display of hospitality was a gift to everyone. “You want some tea or something to eat?” she would say and whip you up something quickly. She loved to entertain and cook. However, she loved, adored and cherished every moment she spent with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

When you met Dona, her loving smile and personality would draw you in…the food was a plus.

Dona was a loving and caring wife. She enjoyed spending quality time and traveling with her husband of 5 years, James Edward Swann, Sr. They enjoyed attending church services and eating at their favorite restaurants.

She loved playing golf, tennis and taking long walks. The beach and ocean were always her happy places. Dona loved to dance and listen to music. Tina Turner and the late Aretha Franklin were a few of her favorite artists. Traveling was her passion. Her favorite trip was a mission trip to Africa. Some of her friends called her “ROAD DOG” because she would drive anywhere and think nothing of the distance.

A Time To Rest

Dona rested from her great love and sacrifice on Friday, September 6, 2019 in Concord, North Carolina. She was preceded in death by her parents: Mother, Ruth Taylor and Father, Abraham Taylor, two brothers, Eric Taylor, Sr. (Pity), Jon Michael Taylor.

Dona’s memory of love and legacy will forever be remembered by her husband, James Edward Swann Sr., of Concord, NC; two sisters, Carlo Taylor of Pittsburgh and Terri Taylor of Texas and Brett Taylor of Pittsburgh; One Uncle, Donald Swann of Las Vegas “whom she was named after”.

Her Children Rise Up and Call Her Blessed…

Kasandra Padilla (Igrain) of Texas, Sonja Graves (Daniel) of North Carolina, Sanford Gunn (Melanie) of Virginia, Vance Gunn (Nadege) of Texas, Adam Gunn (Lindsay) of Pittsburgh, and God-daughter Mia Hines (Erik) of Florida.

Her Sparkling Jewels

Grandchildren: Gary Weaver (Kendra), Tiarra Padilla (Jerry), Jessica Padilla (Demetrice), Igrain Padilla, Jr. (Carla), Ericka Graves, Daniel Graves, Rosie Graves, Bryce Gunn, Nadia Gunn, Alyssa Gunn, Jazyln Gunn and Jada Gunn.

Great-Grandchildren: Gabrielle Weaver, Elijah Weaver, Graceyn Weaver, Gia Weaver, Nasir Smith, Nevaeh Smith, Bella Padilla and Rami Padilla. Best friends of 46 years Rev. Paulette V. Davidson (Sis P/WWW), Pastor John T, Davidson, Jr. and “Our Dad” Edward Gunn. A Host of nieces, nephews, cousins an friends.

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