Donna Boswell Salisbury

Donna Boswell Salisbury, age 74, passed away on May 7, 2026, in Aiea, Hawaii. Born on July 25, 1951, Donna’s life was a beautiful testament to her Christian faith, spirit of service to others, unwavering commitment to her family, and loving support for her husband.

Donna graduated from the First Baptist School of Charleston, SC, in 1968 and continued her education at Baptist College at Charleston (now Charleston Southern University), earning her degree in 1972. Her professional journey was diverse, beginning immediately after graduation, as an assistant in the legal offices of Sea Pines Corporation in Hilton Head Island SC. She later held an administrative position at Crystal Oil Company in Shreveport, Louisiana, in the late 1970s, and as a substitute schoolteacher in Brandon, FL, in the 1980s. During her husband’s assignment there, she worked as a member of the Consular Section in the US Embassy in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, and later as the ambassador’s administrative assistant on the founding committee of the American International School in Muscat, in the mid to late 1990’s. Throughout these roles, she still enthusiastically embraced the lifestyle of a US Air Force wife, during her husband's 53-year active-duty and civilian career.

In her leisure time, Donna loved playing tennis, especially while employed with Sea Pines and early in her marriage in California, enjoyed cross-country skiing in Michigan, sailing in Hawaii, and playing board games with her granddaughters at any time. She relaxed by playing her family piano, when visiting their Charleston home. She also discovered a talent in home design, renovation and construction through house-building ventures in Florida and Hawaii.

Shortly after arriving in Hawaii, Donna developed a passion for sailing and enjoyed time with her many like-minded friends, ready to sail anytime and anywhere. She held sailing leadership roles as the Commodore of the Pacific Yacht Club and was the long-time Secretary/Treasurer of the International Order of the Blue Gavel, Hawaii Chapter.

Donna was a faithful partner to her husband, Edwin H. Salisbury, Jr., for over 52 years of marriage and 56 years together as sweethearts, since they first met in 1970. She was a loving mother to sons Christopher Sean Salisbury (Kristen) of Charleston, SC, and Brian David Salisbury of North Charleston, SC. She was also a cherished and proud grandmother to Caroline Iris Salisbury of Winter Garden, FL, and Annabeth Michelle Salisbury of Charleston, SC. Her extended family includes two brothers-in-law, one sister-in-law, and two nephews and their families.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, James and Virginia Boswell, of Oneida, Kentucky, and her in-laws, Edwin and Iris Salisbury, of North Charleston, SC.

She was a member of Waikiki Baptist Church in Waikiki, where she served on multiple committees over her 24-year membership.

Donna and Ed also frequently attended Our Savior Lutheran Church near their home in Aiea, where her life will be celebrated on Saturday, May 23rd, 2026. Viewing will be from 1000 AM - 1100 AM, and service 1100 AM – 1200 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Donna's memory to support the American Heart Association and Blood Cancer United.

Burial will be in Carolina Memorial Gardens, North Charleston, SC, at date to be announced.

She will be so deeply missed, but we thank the Lord for the time He blessed us with her.