Donna Jeanette Samuels died at her Virginia home on the night of 9 February 2023 following a year-long battle with lung cancer. Donna was preceded in death by her husband of almost 52 years, James Samuels, Jr. (19 April 1946-27 January 2023) and together they will be buried at Quantico National Cemetery with military honors for both on 14 February 2023.

She previously served in the U.S. Air Force as a computer operator until November 1971. Due to her husband‘s employment in the foreign service, Donna lived in eight countries around the world, raising her three daughters, Jacqueline, Julia and Tanya. When her children started school, she began working various positions at the different embassy posts. Donna last worked as an executive assistant at the National Automobile Dealers Association in Tysons Corner, Virginia.

She and her husband enjoyed their retirement years in Florida before returning to Virginia to be close to their daughters.

Donna spent her formative years in Fort Smith, Arkansas with her now deceased parents Donald Robinson and Gladys Jacquita (Ferguson) and her brothers Anthony G. “Skip” Robinson, Frederick E. “Fred” Rigney and William M. “Billie” Rigney (deceased).

Affectionately known as Nona, Donna will be sorely missed by her grandchildren Alex, Nikolas, Alaina, Christopher, and Justin and her grand doggies Leo, Abigail, and River.
Donna is survived by nieces and nephews who loved her and half siblings Starla (Greg), Sterling and Stephen Jackson.

Donna was known for her directness, sarcastic sense of humor, bright smile and generous personality. She always had wise advice to share and demonstrated unyielding love and loyalty to her family and country.
Donna woke up and fell asleep to the national news, enjoyed playing cards, and eating wonderful meals.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made towards cancer research and treatment through UVA Health or Sloan Kettering in memory of Donna Samuels.

• UVA Health in support cancer research: Please make checks payable to UVA Health Foundation and mail to UVA Health, P.O. Box 37963, Boone, IA 50037, noting the designation Bauer Cancer Research Gifts (15441), in memory of Donna and James Samuels.

• Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC): Please make a donation at mskcc.org.

Please sign the guestbook at www.bakerpostfh.com

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