Obituary of Donna J. Perry

Donna J. Perry C E L E B R A T I N G A W O N D E R F U L L I F E Our shining star, Donna J. Perry, was that to so many of her friends, family and colleagues. Born on Staten Island, NY, on November 30th, 1954 to Shirley & Rudolph Perry Sr., Donna "stood out" from the beginning. Earning her moniker "Melody" as an infant, because her late aunt, Naomi Faulkner, likened her crying to singing. That name stuck. As did she. If you met her once, she was "stuck" in your mind. One who was and will not be forgotten. Donna was the second eldest of Rudolph and Shirley’s eight children - Rudolph Perry Jr. (deceased), Robert K. Perry (deceased), Shirleen Perry, Kevin D. Perry (deceased), George Perry, Esther Perry and Elsa Sicilian. She grew up in West Brighton, Staten Island, and as a child, was first surrounded by a bunch of brothers- which led to her having some "boyish" tendencies (running, jumping, and fighting)- and being extremely, competitive. She loved sports and took part and excelled in many, including volleyball, softball, and track. She was the recipient of many sports awards and thoroughly enjoyed telling the stories of her childhood (especially, how no one could beat her in a race). She took great, pride in that. Donna attended P.S. 17 and P.S. 31 during her elementary school years. She went to I.S. 27, then Curtis High School, before attending The College of Staten Island. She went on to begin a career in healthcare. After years within the healthcare industry, Donna embarked on a new journey. In 1982, she became an MTA Transit Bus Operator, beginning her career in Queens at the Fresh Pond Depot; then she went on to the 5th Ave Depot in Brooklyn, before settling at Castleton Depot on Staten Island in January 1985 (where she was the first African American female bus operator). After several years with the MTA, Donna was drawn back to her original passion of healthcare and became a Licensed Practical Nurse, specializing, mostly, in respiratory care. Donna worked as a nurse for over 30 years. Donna loved her family and always made sure to pay her respects and honor those while they were here and when their lives ended. She was also sure to always let her elderly friends and family members know that they were never forgotten by her. She always went above and beyond for everyone. Donna was a free spirit that loved LIFE. She had a strong penchant for fashion, which she loved to display. Her love for music was never-ending. She enjoyed the arts, concerts, social gatherings (big and small), and was always that jolt of energy, at any given event. She was quick-witted, with an honest and sharp tongue, which made it almost impossible to know what would come out of her mouth. Many of her friends (from childhood to present), as well as many, family members, regard her as "one of the strongest women" they knew. In our eyes, she was The Strongest Woman we knew. Donna is survived by her mother, Shirley Perry, longtime companion, Gregory Means, her siblings and a slew of nieces, nephews and cousins who many have coined her "favorite". She also, leaves the legacy of her daughters, Lathea A. Knight and LéJuan Mercedes Perry-Mays, and grandchildren, Kryxtione "Marselys" Williams, Mason Jarel Perry MaysRodriguez, and McKenzie LéJuan Perry MaysRodriguez. She is, and will continue to be, sorely missed by us all, but will live on through us, until we are able to be with her, again. Reign In Paradise, Mommy. We love you. S U N R I S E: N O V E M B E R 3 0 , 1 9 5 4 S U N S E T: O C T O B E R 8 , 2 0 2 1 MATTHEW FUNERAL HOME | 2508 VICTORY BLVD | STATEN ISLAND, NY 10314 WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2021 @ 10AM