Donna's obituary
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Donna Dee Duffee-Kojo. Born on October 22, 1968, Donna lived a full and vibrant life rooted in faith until her peaceful passing on April 23, 2025 after her valiant battle with breast cancer.
In 1993, Donna unified in holy matrimony with the love of her life, Atiba Kojo. Their sacred bond developed into a beautiful family, including their cherished children Uchefuna, Uzabakiliho, and Ukurugenzi Kojo. Her love for her family was deep and unmeasurable and she considered them her greatest blessings. Donna leaves behind her devoted husband,her children, her loving mother Alberta Duffee, her brother Ed Duffee III, and her sister Tymerial McKenzie-Demps.
Donna graduated from Lincoln High-school as Senior Class President in 1986. While at Lincoln, she was a student patron, Sophomore Class President, the Vice President of the Students Against Drunk Driving Club (SADD), Treasurer of the Anchor Club, a member of the JV and Varsity Cheerleader squad, Softball team, Band, and a member of the girls track team, where she was one of the three new records set in the 1984-‘85 season by running the 440 in 60.0 flat. Donna was also a member of the Spanish Club a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes ,part of the Homecoming court in 1985, and a member of the Student Government Association (SGA) . She went on to attend The University of Florida, where she pledged and became a member of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. She also attended Florida State University for visual arts and dance, and ended her time in school at Ohio State University with a Masters Degree in Fine Arts in Dance. Donna attended The Ailey School, a world-renowned educational institution that provides the best professional dance education in New York City. Shortly after graduating from OSU, Donna began her teaching career at Ft. Myers School For The Arts. She choreographed and performed for many noteworthy productions and studios including Twelve Days of Dance (Florida State University-School of Dance) and Colors International School of Arts Inc. To have known her is to know she danced with grace, strength and beauty. She put her all into every piece she was apart of. Before her passing, She was an Independent Beauty Consultant with Mary Kay Cosmetics, a math teacher at Deerlake Middle School in Tallahassee, FL and was an active attendee at All Nations Church, all in which she found spiritual nourishment and community.
Whether it was dancing, her favorite form of exercise, or spending time with her family and friends, Donna had an insatiable zest for life. She found joy in simple pleasures - a cup of decaf coffee, outdoor walks, or the Florida Gators' game on television. A radiant soul, Donna was best known for her warm, loving, joyful, and compassionate personality. Donna was a woman of unwavering belief, whose love for the Lord shone through every aspect of her life. Her authentic spirit touched everyone she met and she never hesitated to spread joy and kindness wherever she went. She found joy in prayer, strength in scripture, and peace in the promises of eternal life.
Donna had a soft spot for relaxation at the beach, her favorite vacation spot, and she was a frequent visitor at local spots like First Friday's @ Railroad Square and local farmers markets. Constantly spreading joy and positivity, Donna truly lived by her mantra, "Blessed to be a blessing." She leaves behind a legacy of strength, joy, and kindness that will continue to inspire all who knew and loved her.
Donna now joins her late father, Ed Duffee, in peaceful repose. We find solace knowing that her radiant spirit lives on through her children, her teachings, and the countless lives she touched.
2 Timothy 4:7 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” Donna now rests in the arms of the Savior , free from pain and sorrow, rejoicing and dancing in the presence of the Almighty.
“Well done, good and faithful servant” Matthew 25:23
May her soul rest in eternal peace