Dec 22, 2020
DATELINE Minister Donna Marie Kirkland-Littlejohn, 66, transitioned peacefully to her eternal home Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020 at home, surrounded by her loved ones.
She was born Aug. 23, 1954, in Akron, to Superintendent Calvin Ellis Sr. and Supervisor Leaner Irene Duncan Kirkland. She attended Akron Public Schools until the age of 11, when her father took a position pastoring the Ebenezer Church of God in Christ in Youngstown. Donna then attended Youngstown public schools, graduating from South High School in 1973.
She enjoyed a wonderful career as a cosmetologist earning her managing cosmetologist license from the Lewis, Weinberger and Hill School of Cosmetology in 1987. After obtaining her license, she opened her own beauty salon, “Donna’s Total Care,” where she serviced exclusive clientele while also focusing on her second passion, early childhood education. Donna retired as an educator, working with the MYCAP Head Start program.