Donell Small, Sr.

Donell Small, Sr. was born January 15, 1969 in Norfolk, Va to Dorothy Heard and Linard Small.  He attended Norfolk Public Schools and worked various construction/warehouse jobs. He was part owner of People’s Choice Property Preservation and at the time of his passing he was employed by OS4Labor at California College Warehouse.

Donell was always the life of the party and met no strangers.  He was an avid sportsman that loved to fish and hunt.  He loved driving and would travel anywhere.  He was gifted with words and could always make you laugh.  Many would say his life seemed too short, but he lived his life to the fullest.  Two of his favorite songs were Lovely Day and Dilemma.  Anyone close to him knows he would ride off blasting those songs.

 Donell loved his children and was especially proud of having granddaughters. In the past few months prior to his passing Donell made stronger bonds with his friends and family especially his son, Dontae.  He always called Madison “Little Momma”, because of course she always thought she was in charge (that’s still true today).  Lil Donell, which is his namesake has always been close to his father and will definitely miss him.  He had a very special place in his heart for his brother Ray Jr. because he always had his back and was there to support him.  He loved all of his sisters and brothers, he shared unforgettable memories with all of them.   Donell had lasting friendships with his son’s mother’s Delphine Simmons and Cynthia Edwards.  He had a lifelong bond with his daughter’s mother Angela, after the end of a long relationship they remained close friends.  We all have our own unique memories of him. We hope that your memories will warm your hearts and lessen your pain.  Although he will not be here physically, he will always be in our hearts.

Donell will be sorely missed by his parents Dorothy and Ray Heard, Sr, and His father Linard and wife Gwen Deal-Small.  He also leaves to cherish his memory his children Donell Small Jr, Dontae Edwards, and Madison Small, his grandchildren Kyndal Edwards and Lailah Worthy.  Brothers Ray Heard, Jr., Monta Nixon, and Marcus Heard, sisters Shawanna Nixon, KaMesha Deal, LaMesha Deal, Ashley Deal and Asia Deal, bonus daughter Taneisha Johnson, bonus sister April Jones.  A host of Aunts, Uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.