Donnie Garfield Small was born on February 12, 1954 to the late Richard and Willie Little Small. He grew up in Norfolk Virginia with his older brother, Roman Rufus Small Sr., younger sister, Karen Edwards, and his best friend and brother in spirit, Ted White. He was called home to be with his Lord on July 17, 2024.
He accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior as a young man in the 70s, during a move of God in Calvert Park in Norfolk, Virginia. From his conversion to Christ, many in his family as well as many friends and neighbors came to know the Lord.
Donnie was dedicated to the study of the Word of God and serving others. His focus was teaching the Word with accuracy; “rightly dividing the Word of truth”. He attended Rock Bible Institute, Word of Faith Leadership & Bible Institute, and International Bible Institute & Seminary.
He was ordained in 1982 and pastored Abundant Life Christian Church for 40 years. To his church family, he was pastor, teacher, mentor, and friend. He had a big heart, and willingly opened the doors of the church as well as his home to provide for the widow, the orphan, the stranger, and the destitute.
Donnie was not only a servant of God but also a public servant. As a police officer for the City of Norfolk Virginia, where he was employed for 29 years, he carried himself with a meek and quiet spirit, yet moved in the authority of the Spirit of God; many times, sharing the good news of the gospel with some whom he had apprehended as well as his fellow police officers.
Donnie married Sylvia Lambert in 1986, who was his bride of 37 years. He was the father of 4 children: Tanya (Demetrice) Saunders, Joshua Small, Prisca (Ronnie) Parker, Dimaris Small; Grandfather to 7: Brianna (Leon) Williams, Dymon (Joey) Leal, Keyshawn James, Demetrice Saunders Jr, Jyion Small, Jisaun Small, Nehemiah Parke; and Great Grandfather of 2: Nolan and Karsen Williams. He held a very special place in the hearts of his nieces and nephews: Roman (Jada) Small Jr., Allen (Kay) Small, Sandra (Robert) Salway, Lee Small, Thomas Small (predeceased), Marcus (Cassaundra) Spurill; and grand-nieces and grand-nephew: Allerha Johnson, Allena Small (Robert) Haugh, Aja Small, and Ernest Davis.
Along with his wife and children he leaves to cherish his memory his Abundant Life Christian Church family and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He was a man of integrity, a man of great character, a man of great faith, a family man, and most of all a man of God.
Condolences(14)-
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Michael Bailey says
July 23, 2024 at 6:57 pmEarth has no sorrow that heaven can not heal! To the family Hedges and Highway Deliverance Ministry lifting you all up in prayer! God bless! Dr. M. A. Bailey
Brianna Williams says
July 24, 2024 at 9:09 pmMy heart cries for you daddy. You are truly missed, and I wish that I could be there to lay you to rest. Thank you for all the years of memories you’ve given me. God knows he has gained one amazing spirit! May your soul rest and we all are reunited soon.
Love, Brianna
Keisha Box says
July 25, 2024 at 12:14 pmSending love to the family ❤
Chris Rodman says
July 25, 2024 at 4:49 pmDonnie and I were childhood friends in Calvert Park. I was very sad to hear about his transition. We played all types of sports together in the Park. He was a friend, confidant and brother. The bible says ” Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning” The joy knowing that Donnie is with Jesus Christ. Rest in peace my brother. Much applause to his wife Sylvia! Who take care of Donnie. In sickness and in health. Keeping the family lifted up in prayer. Chris & Carolyn Rodman
Curtis Jackson says
July 23, 2024 at 11:43 pmDonnie was a Great office and Great man, Donnie always find a way to put up my dry jokes. I was shock to hear the news. God have a great soul in his Kingdom. St. Micheal will find a job for him
Johnny Daniels says
July 24, 2024 at 3:41 pmThe Daniels family’s give their condolence to the small family’s. Donnie!you will always be in our hearts(CP4LIFE)you will never be forgotten,to a true friend always..love you like a Brother… Rest in peace ✌ Johnny Daniels Sr.
Dymon Leal says
July 25, 2024 at 9:35 amI love and miss you so much. Words cannot describe how I feel at the moment but I am at peace knowing that you devoted your life to Christ and that you always ensured your relationship with God was present. I will miss our talks, your voice, the times we spent together, but the Lord has called and I know you will be more than safe in his hands. You’ll always have a special place in our hearts. Thank you, and we love you so much.
Rick and Theresa James says
July 26, 2024 at 8:11 amI heard the Angels say, Donnie is with you every day! My condolences to Donnie’s Family, Church Family, and Law Enforcement Family. Rick & Theresa James
Lakieshia Ballard says
July 26, 2024 at 9:23 amSending my deepest condolences to you and your family!
Michael and Ralfella Folston says
July 27, 2024 at 4:10 pmOur heart goes out to you, and we wish you nothing but comfort and strength.
Michael and Ralfella Folston
Michael and Ralfella Folston says
July 27, 2024 at 4:11 pmOur heart goes out to you, and we wish you nothing but comfort and strength.
Debra McLean says
July 29, 2024 at 8:28 amTo the small family my deepest sympathy to you all my you all find comfort knowing that God is near my your Tears turn in to joy knowing that absent from the body is to be present with the Lord may you all find strength in today’s to come from the McLean’s family
Angela miller says
July 29, 2024 at 1:43 pmMy deepest condolences to the families. God will cover all your grief with his strength, comfort and love. I know the loss will not be easy but the memories will be there forever!! Prayers for you always and be there for one another.
Tonya McDowell says
July 30, 2024 at 8:48 amThanking God for Pastor Small and the impact he had on my life from dedicating my first born to speaking life to me through his sermons.
To his beautiful wife and children, “Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4.
I know him and my Aunt Barbara Anne are in heaven worshiping God together.
God bless. Love always.
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