757.628.1000

Donne Willet Jones


Sunrise: January 25, 1967

Sunset: July 16, 2021

We celebrate life of our beloved Donne W. Jones, of Norfolk, VA who passed on July 16, 2021, at the age of 54 years old.

Donne was a loving son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend. He will be fondly remembered by his mother, Jean Jones; sisters, Laseeta Lowery and Lavenna (Trevor) Swan; nephew, Torree Cannon; nieces, Latique Albergottie, Lakia Jordan, and Nolly Swan; great nephews and nieces; as well as numerous cousins, family and friends.

He will also be dearly missed by his friends and co-workers at the LifeNet Health where he was Director of Learning & Organizational Development and former co-workers at Norfolk Southern Railroad where he was Manager of Health Promotions and Wellness. He had approximately 30 yrs of experience in human resources with a focus on workforce development/training.

Donne was born in Portsmouth VA on January 25, 1967 and this is where he grew up and graduated from Cradock High School in 1985. He then attended Old Dominion University where he obtained both his Bachelor’s degree in 1990 and Master’s degree in 2002.

During his childhood, Donne pursued many interests from sports to art to music to pets. He was an avid sports enthusiast and a lifelong fan of the Minnesota Vikings. He played many different sports including baseball, softball, golf, volleyball, football, track and field, tennis, and badminton to name a few. He was an artist who loved to draw and paint.

He loved animals of all kinds but especially his English bulldog “children”, Blondie Mae and BooBoo Mae. He would often talked about his 20+ years of ownership of seven generations of English bulldogs.

Donne was also an adventurer. He loved to travel and had traveled all over the world for both pleasure and business visiting 6 of the 7 continents. He was a collector of antiques with a strong affinity for clocks and was a member of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors. He was a collector of antique art and furniture as well.

While Donne was a very private person and mostly stayed to himself, his kindness and compassion were continuously demonstrated in his willingness to always be there when called upon, to cheer others on from the sidelines, lend a helping hand or ear, and/or provide uplifting and encouraging advice and support.

We love you Donne and we will forever carry you in our hearts. Rest well my brother, until we meet again………

 

 

Viewing Sunday, July 25, 2021 1:00pm - 5:00pm Metropolitan Funeral Service 7246 Granby Street Norfolk, VA 23505 Service WATCH SERVICE LIVE ONLINE Monday, July 26, 2021 1:30pm Metropolitan Funeral Service Granby Chapel Entombment Greenlawn Memorial Gardens 3920 Airline Boulevard Chesapeake, VA 23321 *Masks Required*

Send Flowers

Condolences(42)

  1. reply
    Lakia Jordan says

    ❤❤Love you Uncle Donne. May you rest in peace. I know you are in a better place. Hold it down up there and tell everybody thanks for watching over us. Love, peace from earth to heaven!! ❤❤

  2. reply
    Jay Dunn says

    We lost a great man. Donne was an incredible brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. I value our time together. I owe my interest in U2 to him, along with my interest in baseball. Gone but never forgotten. We love you, Donne…Rest well, my brother.

  3. reply
    Anika Andrews says

    To my family members I want to extend my sincere condolences. I’m truly sorry for the loss of your beloved brother, uncle, and cousin. May you find comfort in fond memories during this difficult time.

  4. reply
    Lauren Franza says

    Donne was one of the most positive, enthusiastic people I’ve ever met. He always had a bright way of looking at things but also wasn’t afraid to talk about deep issues. He was kind and considerate and would often ask me about my children, my pets, and would share his excitement for NPR interviews, upcoming clock shows, new clocks that he purchased or ones that he’d sold, the Minnesota Vikings, and his beloved pets. His laugh and smile would light up a room. He walked through the halls of our work, and everyone knew his name. Donne was well-respected and filled our buckets with optimism. You will be greatly missed, Donne.

  5. reply
    Tanya Kruk says

    I am lucky that I got to work with and for Donne for the past 3 years. Lucky for me he lived the leadership traits that he taught at LifeNet Health:
    • Share your vision
    • Keep a positive outlook
    • Communicate honestly and openly
    • Give both constructive and positive feedback
    • Treat everyone with fairness
    Donne will always be a most treasured force in my life.
    I am a better person for knowing him and I miss him terribly.

    • reply
      Tracy Cumbo says

      I’m so sorry to hear about my classmate of Cradock High. My lunch partner and co worker at Panasonic. We lost contact years ago but whenever I was in Virginia Beach. We would scream across the store like the sisters of Color Purple.

      RIP KING. Love you always…I will keep your family and friends in prayer..

      😢🙏

  6. reply
    Phillip Jones says

    Donne I’m so sorry that you had to leave so soon you will be greatly missed. My condolences to all the family who love you and will miss you. Rest in peace my cousin.

  7. reply
    Theresa says

    My condolences to the Jones Family! As a former colleague of Panasonic, Donne was always a breathe of fresh air and had a affectionate smile!
    I will never forget the person, who hook me on Estate Sales, you will truly be miss!!!

    • reply
      Marsha Jackson says

      Donne made everyone he met a better person he had that kind of soul. To live in the hearts of others is to never die. You will be missed but your impact remains.❤

  8. reply
    Theresa T. says

    My condolences to the Jones Family! As a former colleague of Panasonic, Donne was always a breathe of fresh air and had a affectionate smile!
    I will never forget the person, who hook me on Estate Sales, you will truly be miss!!!

  9. reply
    Rony Thomas says

    Donne touched so many lives at Lifenet Health because of his passion and dedication to train and teach. He was a dignified and sincere person and will missed immensely by all of us. Sincere condolences to his family.

    Rony Thomas
    Lifenet Health

  10. reply
    Kimberly Peebles says

    The Peebles family send our sincere condolences to the Jones family. There are so many fond memories from Effingham Street. I’ll start with LaVerne piercing our ears and may she Rest In Peace, Donne love for animals and Aunt LaVerne making prom dresses or alterations to our clothing. I remember playing badminton with Donne across the fence in the yard on Effingham Street. I knew that he would go on to do great things. When I watch the NFL this season, I will think of him and his love for the Minnesota Viking. Some things you just don’t forget. RIP🙏🏽

  11. reply
    Sandy Lee says

    I want to send my condolences to all of Donne’s family and friends at this time. I am so glad I was able to participate in a few of his trainings at LifeNet Health. Donne has a special way to help you grasp different concepts and would always make you feel like your thoughts were being heard and relevant. He was truly a special person and will be sorely missed. Rest in Peace, Donne!!

  12. reply
    Jeff May says

    Donne had a tremendous personal impact on the team at LifeNet Health and on me personally. He was a positive light for change, growth and personal reflection. We feel, and will feel his impact for years and decades to come. Donne was a model of humility, humor and general love of his fellow man that I look to as a model every day. My condolences for your family and to his many many friends.

  13. reply
    John says

    Donne was always so happy and enthusiastic! His positive energy was infectious and he would have you in a good mood just a few moments after starting to talk with him. I really enjoyed all of the training sessions I attended with him and personal interactions we had during the workday. He leaves a huge void in the hearts of all who knew him and is greatly missed! My sincerest condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace and fly with the angels!

  14. reply
    Kimberly Holmes says

    Donne was one of the most positive, passionate, enthusiastic and glowing spirted person I’ve ever met. During my time working with him at LifeNet Health, he was very instrumental in not only my professional development but all staff professional development. He always had a bright way of looking at things. He wasn’t afraid to talk about deep hard issues we face. Always concern about our well-being and family. With a heavy heart, I wish you a farewell in peace, love, unity and happiness. Your temporary assignment made an impact. RIP but you will never be forgotten.

  15. reply
    Leatrice S. says

    My condolences to the Jones family. Any time I would pass Donne in the halls at LifeNet he would always have the best smile. His ability to deliver jokes during any training session was unmatched. His smile and warmth will be missed. I hope the joyful memories you have of him bring you comfort and smiles during your time of sorrow.

  16. reply
    Linda Palmer says

    The Loss is immeasurable, but so is the love left behind. You were always so kind and always said Good Morning with a smile. You will be truly missed here at Lifenet. Rest easy Donne your colleague’s will take it from here. My deepest condolences to the family.

  17. reply
    Michael Aussey says

    Thank you Donne for being inspiration to me and so many other people here at LifeNet Health, you were a true and sincere friend to so many individuals and you have always had the ability to keep a positive outlook on all that you did. I will always remember what you were able to do for me personally and the teams that I worked with here at LifeNet Health, I will see you again some day but until then I know you will be by my side and looking over all of us here at LifeNet Health. Often the Vikings use the Scandinavian word SKOL in their fight song, but today I use it as a sign of respect, a toast to salute the memory of a great friend!

  18. reply
    LInda G Chapman says

    My Deepest Condolences to the family and the Lifenet Coworkers.
    Donne was a pleasure to talk with and get to know him. He was always so upbeat and positive . I will miss him.

  19. reply
    Lorenzo Mason says

    Condolences to Donne’s family. He was an amazing person and spirit. Always made us life as he presented a class and kept us engaged. His joy and smile was infectious and will truly be missed.

  20. reply
    Derek & Tamika says

    Donne was one of the most solid men that I have ever encountered. He refused to compromise his character and morals for anyone or anything. He stood for something, and was a advocate for those that were defenseless. The world will miss that caliber of person.

  21. reply
    Wanda Phillips says

    To the Jones Family;
    Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart.

  22. reply
    Dominica Williams says

    My thoughts and prayers are with the Jones family. I worked with Donne at LifeNet Health, and he was always so encouraging, caring, and kind. He inspired me with every conversation, and I’m so thankful to have known him.

  23. reply
    Adrienne P. says

    My sincerest condolences to Donne’s family. Every time I say Happy Monday there is always that Donne in the back of my head with a big smile. He was a listener, a learner, and a teacher. He always had confidence in my abilities and pushed me to become the leader that he saw. Safe journey Dr. Jones! You will be missed.

  24. reply
    Jazzmine Clemons says

    My sincere condolences to the Jones family. Donne always had a huge smile and great energy whenever we passed in the halls of LifeNet Health. He will truly be missed.

  25. reply
    Julie McLean says

    Donne is and will continue to be missed. This morning, in a leadership training program that he initiated, his colleagues were asked to share immediate thoughts they associate most with Donne: passionate, enthusiastic, fantastic attitude, committed, good listener, and generous with his time were just a few. While his time with us may have been all-too-short, the vision of what he started will live on. My heartfelt condolences to his loved ones.

    • reply
      Martine Savage says

      Sending my deepest condolences and prayers to the Jones family…I have fond childhood memories of Donne growing up from playing board games where he was also the banker to badminton. Rest in paradise

  26. reply
    Amanda Burnette says

    My deepest condolences to your family. Donne was such a sincere, generous, and passionate leader at work. His enthusiasm was contagious. I am so very grateful for everything Donne taught me and will carry his life lessons with me forever. You are missed so much Donne and I hope you rest in peace.

  27. reply
    Folu Awotoye says

    Donne always had a cheerful spirit. It was a pleasure working with Donne at LifeNet Health. I pray he enjoys the life after. My condolences to his family. I pray that God will help them find comfort at a time like this.

  28. reply
    Rhonda Barton says

    Donne was such a delight to work with and leaves a forever imprint on my heart. He had a passion for making the world a better place for those he worked with and all those that he touched. Rest well, my friend.

  29. reply
    Theresa House says

    Donne was my coworker, friend & was always there with a smile or words of encouragement. We lost a kind, caring person too soon & heaven has gained another angel. I know u r watching over us Donne and I can still hear you say ” I do not look like Tiger!!”. R.I.P. my friend.

  30. reply
    Nika P says

    That smile was always there. As soon as he walked up to you, before he got into what he has going to say, it was “How are you doing?” with that big smile. I will forever remember that and use that in life all the time even until now. Much Love Donne.

  31. reply
    Cheryl J. says

    Donne Jones was a man of character and integrity. He told you what you needed to hear, not what you wanted but always with the understanding that he cared. I am praying for you all during this season of sorrow.

  32. reply
    Arlene says

    Donne, the gifts that you placed on this earth will always be treasured.

  33. reply
    Kim Jaramillo says

    LifeNet Health lost a vital member of our work family. Sending heartfelt sympathy and condolences to his loved ones. Donne left an indelible mark on everyone that he met. Rest in Power, friend, and thank you for your leadership!

  34. reply
    Stephanie Czerwonka, Life Net Health says

    Love and prayers for the Jones family. Donne was an amazing person who impacted the people he touched each and every day, including me. He was a dear friend and colleague and he will be deeply missed. He has taught so many of us to be kinder in our words and actions, to be inclusive, and to treat everyone we meet with compassion and respect. We will miss his quirky sense of humor and laugh, his warm smile and demeanor, and his love for people and life. We are comforted in knowing that he will continue to cheer us on in spirit.

  35. reply
    Brandon Berry says

    Donne was a smart, funny, and caring man. I used to love when he got on the phone for a supervisor call at Panasonic. He would use such big words that would calm them down even after they just finished cussing you out. He never got irate or biligerent with them. He would speak to them so calm. Most of the time he would be saying the same thing you just said but in a different tone. He is definitely someone that I had the pleasure to call friend. I will miss you DJ.

    Love your friend
    Brandon Berry

  36. reply
    Ashley Bowman says

    Donne was a unique treasure with a true gift for mentorship and teaching. I always enjoyed the stories, wisdom, and perspective that he incorporated into his professional development courses at LifeNet Health. His kind, positive, and passionate personality left a lasting impression and I’m so thankful I had the opportunity to know and learn from him. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.

  37. reply
    Sherry Robertson says

    Gone but not forgotten.

  38. reply
    Jerry says

    My sincere condolences to the amazing Donne’s surviving relatives and close friends. Although regrettably I never met him we corresponded a number of times over the years and shared an affinity for old clocks. Even through the “filter” of only sharing emails it was easy to pick up his extraordinary personality and style and passion and conviction for his interests. Although the phrase is abused it remains accurate: I will “miss him very much.” Donne was a wonderful unique friend and I’m sure forever etched in my memory.

  39. reply
    Dana “Dee” Jones says

    My sincerest condolences to the Jones family for your loss. I just saw Donne’s name in the ODU alumni summer of 2022 “In Memoriam” section and my heart dropped. Donne was so full of life and as a young man starting a career in 1992 he was the same man as so many have said in these condolences later in his life. I met Donne in 1992 when we were hired at the same time at NationsBank. We were the two “D Joneses” and Donne nicknamed me “Dee”. Although we lost touch I always regarded him as a special friend. He was kind, hard working, always smiling and who could forget his laugh? I’ll never forget coming into work one morning and seeing the paperclip plastic container with water and turned into a vase holding a little flower in the middle of my desk. There was Donne smiling over the cube wall saying he saw it walking into work. That little act of kindness made my day and I’ve never forgotten it. He was definitely one of a kind and remember his enthusiasm talking about his first bull dog and first home purchase. He was an exceptional person and I’m so sorry he’s gone far too soon. God Bless you my friend.

Leave a Reply to Rony Thomas Cancel reply

.

Personal Service, Peace of Mind, Pleasant Memories

P 757.628.1000 • F 757.545.9148

© Metropolitan Funeral Service