In The Dash: May 9, 1962 – November 30, 2018 We all have an expiration date with our earthly bodies. It is what you do between the dash. Dona Marie Griner was born on May 9, 1962 in St. Michaels Hospital in Newark, New Jersey, daughter of the late May Lorraine Grant (Griner) and Donald Griner.
Dona was the second child of three girls. A student of St. Mary’s School in Newark, she later moved with the family to Roselle, New Jersey. Reading, singing, fashion and especially… Read More » animals (she always snuck in strays into the house) were the things that made her the happiest.
During her high school years, Dona worked for the Newark Humane Society as a Gatekeeper for the hospital. As a graduate of Abraham Clark High School in Roselle, she followed in her father’s footsteps to join the United States Army. As a Multi-channel Communications Operator and Team leader, Dona monitored and maintained transmissions for the Army.
She was also in charge of coordinating, planning and supporting daily operational functions. In 1987 with an honorable discharge from Louisiana, Dona decided to return home to Roselle, New Jersey. She was employed as a Receptionist/Clerk at Barnes & Noble in New York City and working there was a wonderful thing for her because she absolutely loved reading.
With this love, she also worked part-time as a Publications Coordinator in New York City. When Barnes & Noble laid off workers, Dona quickly landed a job at her birthplace, St. Michaels Hospital. Later, she became Head Secretary in the E. R. Unit where she remained for several years.
She found the same job closer to Roselle at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Elizabeth. During the 9/11 tragedy, Dona had done outreach calling for fundraising and was a Customer Service Representative for the Manhattan Fire & Safety. During the later days in her earthly life, Dona enjoyed singing jazz and started a band with her friends in her apartment.
She traveled with her friend Peter to places like Baltimore Harbor, the Afro American Museum, Weddings and other social gatherings. Dona loved to take her sister to football games, and hockey games and fine restaurants with her good friend Chucky. In her words, “The Good Stuff!
” Also, she enjoyed volunteering to help others in the community with their computer skills in which she excelled in building and programming sites. She would help in the cafeteria in her building. Dona’s favorite quotes, “When life was good was ‘good stuff’” and when things were bad was, “We gotta get better with ourselves”.
On Friday, November 30, 2018, Dona Marie Griner answered the Master’s call. She was predeceased by her older sister, Sarah L. Robinson; uncle: Wilbert H. Grant and wife, Grace; cousins: Eugene and Geneva Johnson and Charles and Magalina Johnson; all of their parents and best friend, Norris Paige. Dona leaves behind in this world, as she lovingly called, “Her baby sister” Regina Hudson; nephews, Patrick Hudson and Joe Thomas; close friend, Peter Peterson; cousins: Phyllis Johnson, Charles Johnson, Jr., Pamela Hill, Maurice Hill, Barry Johnson, Cindy Johnson, Dorian Johnson, Danielle Hill, Brandon Hill (Aisha), Kyrie Hill, Karter Hill and Barbara Appling; good friend, Chuck Raudenbush; and a host of dear relatives and friends.
Dona was truly loved and will forever be missed.
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