Donna Jean Oliver

Donna Jean Gove Oliver, fondly known as Grandma Donna and Donna Jean, 80, of Washington, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, in UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, in Oakland. She was born July 6, 1942, in Woodsville, NH, to the late George and Rachel Gove. She was raised in Dillon, SC. Donna Jean met her husband Ernest in grammar school. The story goes, he pulled her red pigtails, and she pushed him off the monkey bars. They were married January 26, 1963, and had four children. Grandma Donna was very active in the lives of her grandchildren, and was always their biggest fan. She loved deeply, and completely, and sometimes offended unintentionally. She marched to the beat of her drum, much to the delight of all who knew and loved her. You didn't meet Donna Jean, it was more of an experience. A poet, she loved to read and learn about other cultures and ways of thinking, and loved to challenge the normal way of thinking. She really loved to collect things, especially books. Donna Jean was awarded the prestigious title of Miss Dillon in 1960. A woman who never met a stranger, she was a social butterfly, who could not be contained. She was a member of the Arms Club in Washington, where she enjoyed spending time with friends. Every year, she and her husband enjoyed jumping in the car to vacation in Myrtle Beach, and to the White Mountains to see the changing of the leaves, and boy, could she pack a car. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Linda Fisher; and beloved son, Ernest III, whom undoubtedly greeted her with great joy. Surviving, in addition to her husband are, daughters, Dawn (Russell) McCombs, Robin Murin (husband, Chris Luppino), and April Oliver; daughter-in-law, Mindy Oliver, wife of the late Ernest III; grandchildren, Nathan (Alyssa) Murin, Jake (Kim) Murin, James Weaver III, Holly McCombs (Brandon Robinson), Ben (Alexandra) McCombs, Adam McCombs; granddog, Shane; seven great grandchildren, with two more on the way; and sister, Edith Rameriz. Donna Jean will be greatly missed by her family, and all who knew her. Family and friends are welcome on Saturday, January 21, 2023, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., the time of service, in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Ave., Washington, with Rev. Robert Grewe officiating.