In Memory of

Donna

Mae

Page

Obituary for Donna Mae Page

Donna Mae Page (Grammy) was born August 17, 1933 in Yuma, AZ to Booker Tyler Johnson and Freddie Lucille (Roberson) Johnson. The second of five children.

In 1937, while in early elementary school, her Mother and siblings Lucille, John Tyler (Buddy), and Wilbert moved to Tulare, CA, after the passing of her father. During her formative years Donna learned to manage money while working in the cotton fields with her family. She was a diligent student and served as a Community Recreation Leader. As a teen she started her Christian journey at Brooks Chapel A.M.E. Church under the leadership of Reverend and Mrs. Everett Williams, Sr.

After graduation from Tulare Union High School, she attended College of the Sequoia’s before widening her world to attend Whittier College in Los Angeles, CA. Donna overcame many political and racial challenges to earn a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1955, with a Group Major in Sociology, Psychology and Religion.

Donna was teaching in the Los Angeles, CA Unified School District when she was introduced to a Stocktonian by the name of Aster Page. Their meeting was orchestrated by a mutual Pastor, E. P. Williams, Sr. who was the minister at Ebenezer A.M.E. Church in Stockton, CA. Reverend Williams felt their mutual Christian devotion would spur a collaborative relationship. They were soon married, which lead Donna back to Central California to begin their new life together. Donna and Aster had two children, Gregory and Danita. The couple were active community leaders.

She began teaching at Taylor Elementary School, then on to Roosevelt Elementary School. Donna helped to shape the lives of many young minds as a teacher. She returned to college at the University of the Pacific in 1973, where she earned her Masters Degree in Reading and Counseling. She used this degree to guide students at Webster Jr. High School and Edison Senior High School. While at Edison she created the Teachers of Tomorrow Club and implemented Career Day.

Donna was an active and devoted member of Ebenezer A.M.E. Church for 65 years. She directed Vacation Bible School, taught Sunday School, lead the Allen Stars/Youth Department, was a Class Leader and committed prayer warrior on the prayer line. Her life was a living example to numerous nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.

She had a long list of interests, including: politics, playing and watching sports, board games (she would not “let” anyone win), dancing, traveling, writing letters of encouragement which always included a list of things for you to read. Donna preached a life of emphasizing Christianity, Education and Charity. She retired in 1991, to spend time with her grandchildren.

After retirement, Donna continued to work with the California Retired Teachers Association, Alpha Kappa Alpha Mu Zeta Omega, Sisters Serving Seniors, NAACP, and Old Timers Wings of Faith of Greater Faith Baptist Church.

Donna Mae Page gained her wings on January 13, 2023. She joined her husband Aster Page, parents Booker and Freddie Johnson, siblings Booker, Jr., Lucille Evans, John “Buddy” Johnson and Elder Wilbert Johnson, and niece, Chanel Johnson Smith.

She leaves to cherish her memory children: Gregory (Patrice) Page, Danita (Joey) Blackwell; grandchildren: Essence (Charles) Erwing, Ryan, Shantara, Erika, Olivia, Sydney and Dominique; great-grandchildren: Mark and Nyarie. Nieces and nephews, much like children: Lucretia (Tyrone) Watley, Charlie (Mindy) Evans, III, Drake (Deb) Johnson, Guy (Darcel) Johnson, Elder Dexter Johnson, Lana McMurray, generations of nephews, nieces, cousins, family, and friends.