I met Donna at Howard University. She a finance major, me an accounting major and as we were both struggling students she would borrow my accounting books to save money.  As a result we became  fast friends. After college we both went our separte ways to pursue our dreams but always managed to find our ways back to each other  and reconnect.  Donna was such a bright light with mad curiosity, a great sense of humor with an infectious laughter and smile. I was truly honored  to have been able to share so much precious time with her during  the last  year.  My heartfelt condolences to her Loving husband Brian who loved, served and protected her in life and death, her son Kyle and her extended family.  Rest in peace Lovely.  You fought a good fight and will forever  be in my heart.

Memories with Donna:

I met Donna when Kyle and my children were in elementary school, and from that moment on, we became lifelong friends.
She’d always greet me with a warm, “Hi sis!” — just two words, but they carried so much love and familiarity. That was Donna: simple, strong, loyal, driven, and full of heart. She could be rough around the edges when needed, but beneath it all was someone deeply caring, always ready to show up, always ready to love.
Some of my favorite memories are the ones we made at concerts — swaying to Marc Antoine’s smooth guitar, and singing our hearts out at the Mary J. Blige show like no one was watching. Donna lit up in those moments — joyful, free, completely in her element. Those nights were more than music; they were filled with laughter, love, and soul.
And then there were the quiet dinners — simple evenings, just the two of us, catching up over a meal, sharing stories, and enjoying each other’s company. No need for anything grand — just being together was enough.
I’ll also never forget the everyday moments — chatting outside after school pickups, losing track of time, just being present for each other. Donna was more than a friend. She was family.
I will miss her deeply, but I carry her with me — in every song, every shared laugh, every quiet moment of peace.
Now you can rest, my sweet.  Until we meet again.
- Carla ♥️

A loving soul, thank you for being you!♥️

I had the privilege of knowing Donna from our time at R+F, where we formed a connection that I will forever cherish. Donna possessed a remarkable and quiet gift for seeing the unique value in every individual. She had a way of making people feel not just seen, but truly valued, and she nurtured the potential she recognized in others. She was a treasure of a friend, a well-seasoned and intelligent professional whose caring nature touched all who knew her. Donna was a gift to us all, and though we miss her deeply, the light she brought into this world hasn't dimmed. It shines on ever so brightly in the lives she touched and the love she left behind.

Donna, 
When we met in 1999, I instantly knew we would be life long friends. I find it difficult to write a message here, without tears flowing and blurring my vision.  Instead,  I will share the message I wrote to you, that accompanied a bouquet of flowers.  I will continue to pray for Kyle, Brian, your dear brothers, sisters, family and friends... as we work through our grief. 

Donna, very few people in this world whose presence leaves an indelible mark—and you are one. Your creativity and entrepreneurial skilled have always inspired me. You remind me daily that strength doesn’t always roar- it’s found in grace, art, kindness, and simply being your radiant self.

With deep love and endless admiration.
Dana F.

Aunties Donna, Cindy, Mimi, with dear Donna and Rona... in 2022 following the Spanish flamenco dinner and dance performance

Rona was battling 4th stage lung cancer. Donna was a moral support to Rona, in her cancer journey, and prayed with her.   Rona's father and grandmother had battled ALS. Following Donna's diagnosis, Rona was able to be a moral support to Donna.  Rona made her journey to heaven in April of this year. I know for certain Rona was there to greet Donna, as she arrived in heaven,  and was embraced by the loving welcoming arms of her mother and father.

Donna and I, along with my cousin Brandee, and our dear friend Rona, in Long Beach celebrating my birthday in 2022.

Donna and I, with aunties Donna and Robin in Rocklin. Celebrating Donna's birthday, and more than 20 years of friendship,

Donna, with aunties Cindy, Mimi, and I at auntie Robin's for the Thanksgiving 1999.  Grandma Cecelia immediately fell in love with Donna, and she officially became a family member.

Amy, Donna, and Dana... the Disney Internet ladies in 1999. Donna with her radiant smile!

Nicky, Marsha, Donna, and Walker Christmas 2023

There is so much to process personally as I grew up knowing Michelle’s mother and father, Larcie and Arthur Ballard.  Our families were intertwined early on as they both were a big part of our family dynamics that are positively embedded in my memory bank with a fondness and touch of humor.❤️

Larcie remained friends throughout her life with my mother however I did my best to see her when circumstances allowed throughout her life.  I truly loved and admired her for all the same reasons  described in Michelle’s obituary.   

 It appears that Michelle was the culmination of all the positive and learned life lessons that Larcie worked so hard for; and was determined to pass on to her kids throughout their lives. 
Michelle was a good student!

When Larcie passed on, Michelle and Tony asked me to speak at her  “Celebration of Life” memorial.  It gave me the opportunity to meet her kids as adults. 

Although sad, I got to experience some of Larcies handy work that day. What a great honor.

Kyle, your mom and family were/are so proud of you and Brian, it seems you were her rock and guardian Angel later in life.

Although, I’m sure difficult to comprehend at this moment,  both of you and the Ballard family, have been given such a gift. 

Now it’s your time to shine and LIVE your best lives.

Peace be with you. ❤️‍🩹
Respectfully,  John Rosenberg and the Rosenberg family

I will never forget the day I met Donna at Universal Studios Home Video/ Music Dept. She was so sweet and we immediately became friends. She had that sly wicked sense of humor that I understood because I have that same personality. Lol She would walk past my desk at times, look over at me and we would both burst out laughing because we knew what each other was thinking without saying a word!! We haven’t seen each other in years but we spoke on the phone often about the current events going on in the world. I will truly miss her kindness, intellect, drive, and laughter.

Rest well my dear friend, Love you always
Mikki

My sincere condolences to the family and friends 🧡 
I was a former high-school friend. We attended Douglass High School  c/o 88

I met Donna when she authored her first book, "Doing it for Ourselves," in which she profiled black women on Wall Street.  I was honored to be included in the book, and impressed with her editorial integrity - the way in which she was committed to telling each woman's story with truth and dignity.  

When the book was published, I gathered the women in the book to throw a book party for Donna in New York City.  My mother and grandmother flew in from Los Angeles to be there, and they too bonded with Donna as all three of them were Bisons - Howard University alums.  

That event was a special moment in all of our lives, and the foundation for my relationship with Donna.  We didn't see each other in person for decades after that, but from time to time we'd share photos of that occasion at which we celebrated her achievement in publishing the first account of black women investment bankers.

Both of our mothers passed in 2018.  That brought us closer together.  We supported each other from afar during that difficult time.  We were both single moms with sons of the same age, grieving the loss of our moms.  I recall how I marveled at her strength.  Her mother's funeral was scheduled in Georgia the morning of her son's senior prom in California.  How she buried her mom in the morning, then caught a plane to California to excitedly photograph Kyle in his tuxedo as he went off to the prom still astounds me.  That took strength, courage, and some other qualities I can't identify to get through that day with its wide range of emotions from extreme grief of her dear mother, to enthusiastic support for her young son.  Talk about "sandwich generation!"

Donna, I know the last couple of years have been an arduous journey.  You walked that path with faith, dignity, grace, wisdom, acceptance, and an admirable optimism in the face of one of the most debilitating and painful ways to leave this life.  I know that your soul is now resting peacefully in the arms of our Lord.

Praying for strength and comfort for Donna's family during this time. Thanking God for allowing her to have crossed our paths in life. 

Kysh Robinson Clemons 
Class of 1988 - Frederick Douglass High School

My mom Rosena knew Donna before me, I grew to love her as my cousin. She will forever be in our thoughts and prayers. Family forever, and always. She was my best friend and cousin! Love eternal, and please tell my mother Rosena that we alright down here…

Donna lives on in my heart now and forever. Donna was the most amazing and wonderful person I have ever been privileged to know.  Now an angel, rest in peace dear Donna and my most sincere condolences to her husband, Brian, son Kyle and her entire family.

We met Donna at Howard University in 1991 and quickly became good friends. I vividly remember a road trip to Miami with my fraternity brothers shortly after I became a member of Phi Beta Sigma—that experience helped cement our bond.

Later, Donna stayed with our dad for a summer in London while working there. From that point on, she was family. Even after her diagnosis, she returned to London with her son to visit my father. Throughout her illness, we stayed in touch as much as possible, always trying to be present without adding to her burden.

Rest well, my Sister. We’re heartbroken you’re gone but comforted that you’re no longer in pain.

OBITUARY

Donna Ballard Connery

December 24, 1970 – June 25, 2025

Pacific View Mortuary & Memorial Park

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