Donna Southern Hammond

Donna was the devoted mother of David Johnson (Lynn) of Cookeville, TN, Dean Johnson (Joey) of Cumberland, MD, Deborah Ruiz (Ray) of Bel Air, MD, and her eldest daughter, Denise Johnson, who preceded her in death. Additional blessings to Donna were her relationships with her stepdaughters Victoria Lacy (Greg) of Morgantown, WV, and Janet Campbell (John) of PA.

She was the loving grandmother to Steven Rewinski (Michiko), Karla Hole (Liz), Andrew Johnson (Grace), Lauren Roback (Derek), Zachary Johnson (Kaylynn), Mark Johnson, Kelly Nicolaisen (Jesse), Karen Johnson, Josiah Johnson (Claire), Timothy Johnson, Isaac Johnson, Justin Ruiz, Alexander Ruiz, Lily Donna Ruiz, and Evan Ruiz. She also had nine great-grandchildren, Kimi Rewinski, Evelyn Hole, George Hole, JD Johnson, Annalyn Johnson, Aria Johnson, Micah Johnson, Tovi Nicolaisen and Emma Lewellen.

In addition, she is survived by her beloved Aunt Peggy Bright (Bud) of Hilton Head, SC, sisters-in-law Toni Southern of Morgantown, WV and Kay Southern of Browns Summit, NC, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Arnett Southern and Maxine Windon Southern Smith, brothers David Southern, Daniel Southern and Duane Southern and husbands, Ed Hammond, Russel Lopez, John Koziar and Jackson Johnson.

Donna was born in Good Hope, West Virginia in 1939 and graduated Salutatorian from Lumberport High School in 1957 where she was head cheerleader. She worked for nearly 30 years as a medical technologist at Central Blood Bank in Pittsburgh and other blood banks throughout West Virginia and Virginia, earning many accolades all while supporting her family.

Donna was a woman of faith who loved the Lord. She had many hobbies and interests, including crocheting, ceramics, gardening, reading, and games (scrabble and dominos). She enjoyed traveling around the country with her family but two of her most memorable trips were to Europe with her daughter Deb and to Israel with Zola Tours.

Donna was a true sports enthusiast! She faithfully cheered on her favorite teams, which included the Steelers, Pirates, Mountaineers, as well as whatever teams her son David or grandsons were coaching. She was also known to get very excited about an NBA team or two!

This past year she moved to Maryland to be with her daughter, Deb. She enjoyed her final months surrounded by family, playing dominos, going to Sight & Sound theater, traveling to Hilton Head, watching sports, sitting outside watching the deer and birds, and worshiping at church. She was happy and peaceful.

A memorial service will be held at Congregational Missionary Church on Saturday, November 25, 2023, at 12pm with a luncheon to follow. Burial will be at Good Hope Masonic Cemetery.