Donna Mae Van Tassell

Donna Mae (West) VanTassell, affectionately known as “DeeDee,” was born March 2, 1935, in Kenton, Ohio, to James Howard and Vanetta Mae (Brown) West. The oldest of five children, Donna took her role as big sister to heart—guiding, protecting, and caring for her siblings with love and a healthy dose of humor.

After graduating from Kenton High School in 1953, Donna followed a trail of beloved aunts to Los Angeles, where her vibrant spirit blossomed. She was social, stylish, and full of life—always ready with a laugh and never far from music and a dance floor. It was at a dance at Jefferson High School that she met her first husband, Alan Wilkins. The two married in 1954 and welcomed three children: Pamela, Steven, and Kimberly.

Donna later met and married Roosevelt Swift in 1961, and together they built a life full of joy and community. They hosted legendary backyard parties, family dinners, and in true Donna fashion, she helped found a social club called The Charmetts—a sisterhood that thrived for decades.

In 1963, Donna moved with her children back to her hometown of Kenton, believing that the small-town atmosphere would offer them a better life. But Los Angeles always called her. In 1972, she returned—and so did the laughter, the friendships, and the celebrations. She married her third husband, Fred VanTassell, in 1977, and for 26 years they shared a love of family, camping trips, concerts, and making music together. Donna could often be found sitting under her avocado tree or in her carport, surrounded by loved ones, telling stories, cracking jokes, and holding court well into the night.

When she moved to Gardena, her natural leadership and warmth quickly transformed her block into a community. She formed a block club and hosted July 4th gatherings that became a local tradition. She also became a proud member of the Red Hat Society—her group, the Sophisticated Six, officially became a charter on June 24, 2004.

In 2017, Donna moved to Chandler, Arizona, where she lived with her daughter & son-in-law & continued to spread joy until she peacefully departed this life on March 31, 2025.

Donna was preceded in death by her beloved husband Fred, her parents, her sister, two brothers, and her dearest cousin and lifelong confidante, June George, who was more like a sister than a cousin and shared countless memories, secrets, and laughs with Donna throughout their lives.

Donna was the heartbeat of her family—the one who brought people together, kept them laughing, and made everyone feel special. She leaves behind her children Pamela (Gary) Holley of Chandler, AZ; Steven (Lisette) Wilkins of Scottsdale, AZ; and Kimberly Brown of Los Angeles, CA. Her legacy lives on through her six grandchildren—Kianti (Robert) Whitney, Keena (Dontae) Richardson, Ashley Holley, Westley (Venessa) Wilkins, Kalema (Keith) Fisher, and Brittani Brown—and her great-grandchildren: Kylaiah, Kiarah, Kamryn, Ella, Hendrix, and Keilen. She also cherished her great-step-grandchildren: Jabarha, Keith Jr., Joseph, Jude, and Jax.

She is survived by her brother Warren (Betty) West, and a loving extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will miss her fiercely and remember her fondly—for her laughter, her love, her stories, and her spirit.

In lieu of flowers, please plant a tree in Dee Dee's honor. "May this tree, a symbol of enduring life, stand as a reminder of Donna's lasting impact on our lives".

We would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to everyone for their unwavering support, love, thoughts, and prayers during this difficult time. Additionally, We appreciate the beautiful flowers and generosity that has been shown to us, Thank you.