Dorothy Ann Donnell

Dorothy Ann Grigsby Donnell was born April 5, 1951 to the late John L. and Anna C. Grigsby. She was the eldest of seven children within this marriage. She got her heavenly wings on Thursday, July 17, 2025.

Dorothy has always resided in Nashville Tennessee. She got her education from Metro Nashville Public School System where she graduated from Hume Fogg High School. During her four years of high school, she was able to get her Cosmetology License and Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Certification. She was employed by the State of Tennessee for years doing home health.

Dorothy gave her life to Christ at an early age where she was baptized at Hamilton Tabernacle United Primitive Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Elder W.E. Hamilton. She served in the children’s choir and on the usher board diligently. In 1977, she moved her membership to Glenn’s Tabernacle United Primitive Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Elder Carlton M. Glenn Sr. She served faithfully on the usher board until her health started to fail. She held the positions of Vice President and President for 10 years. She also served as President of the Pastor Aid Committee. She was always willing to help others anyway necessary. For fund raisers, she would sell fish plates and chitterling plates. She later joined Mount Paran Primitive Baptist Church under the leadership of Elder Freeman H. Geter III where she was ordained as a mother.

Dorothy’s pride and joy was her only child, LaTonya R. Phelps Lee. She enjoyed cooking, crocheting, and watching TV. She loved spending time with family and friends. Matter of fact, her door was always open to anyone needing a place to lay their head. She also enjoyed being a member of Sisters of Lady White #64 Chapter until her health started failing. Her favorite scripture was Psalms 84:10. Her favorite hymn was “Dressed in My Gospel Uniform”, and her favorite song was “Lord It’s been a Mighty Good Day”. She also loved soul food and seafood.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents and sisters, Marilyn D. and Marleen Grigsby. Those left to cherish her precious memories are her devoted daughter, LaTonya (Clifford) Lee; sisters, Donzella Geter and Sharon E. Grigsby; brothers, John L. Grigsby Jr. of San Diego, CA and W. DeWayne Grigsby; aunts, Mary Cartwright Starks, Rose E. Johns, Doris Crawford-Chapman, Berta C. Anderson, Emma C. Bell, and Mary Ann Jenkins; uncles, Dr. Eugene (Betty) Grigsby of Madison WI, Dr. Paul Sr. and Larry Grigsby; God Granddaughter, Zakkiyah Starks; nieces, LaKisha (James) Holt, Danielle Russell and Krystal Grigsby Glenn; nephew, Ronald (Regina) Murphy Jr.; best friend, Lavonia Rivers; and a host of other relatives and friends.