Donna Jean Phillips

Donna Jean Phillips (nee Johnson), 72, of Lorain, Ohio passed away Friday, May 6, 2022, at Avon Place Nursing Home of complications from diabetes and kidney disease. 

Born December 17, 1949, to parents Jean and Donald Johnson, she was a life-long resident of Lorain.  Donna is survived by her brother, Donald Allen; adored nephew, Christopher Allen and Christopher’s wife Dana Marie; nephews, Tristan, Bryson, and Jase all residents of Alabama. 

She was preceded in death by her ex-husband and dear friend, Stanley Phillips; and her beloved daughter, Dawn Marie.  Donna graduated from Lorain High School in 1967 and received an associate degree from Lorain County Community College and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Baldwin Wallace College. 

Donna worked at Lorain National Bank during her high school years and ultimately worked her way through the banking system to become a vice-president in bank secrecy and operations.  After over 40 years with Lorain National Bank, Donna became an employee of Key Corp. where she had a successful career until her retirement in 2019.

Donna was blessed with many friends over the years who delighted in her zest for life and contagious laugh.  She was known as an avid shopper and is donating her large collection of shoes, clothes and purses to Dress for Success and the LCCC Commodore Career Closet.  Donna was both a business and civic leader in Lorain County and was deeply involved in the Lorain County Chamber, Junior Achievement, United Way, American Institute of Banking (past president), Lorain County Historical Society, Palace Theater, and a member of the United Methodist Church.  She was known as an organizer and leader in all of the above organizations.

Special thanks to her long-time friend, Nancy Sarlie, who traveled from Nevada to be her caretaker for three weeks of her illness, long-time friends Donnie and Troy from Dayton and to her good friend Jerry who was her support system in her final days.

The family will announce a celebration of life at a later date.  The arrangements are being handled by Dovin Funeral and Cremation Specialists, 2701 Elyria Avenue, Lorain.  The family suggests that memorial contributions in memory of Donna can be made to the Lorain County Community College Foundation in honor of Dawn Marie Phillips.  Donna passed with grace and dignity AND as always, she did it her way