Avis de décès de Donna Blakely-Jackson - Nécrologie - MesAieux.com

Donna Blakely-Jackson "Diva" Hammond/Gary, IN Dec. 5, 1957-July 9, 2007 Donna Blakely-Jackson, "Diva", age 49, affectionately known as "Diva D" departed this life on Monday, July 9, 2007 at Community Hospital in Munster with her loving husband by her side, after a short illness. She was born December 5, 1957 to William O. Blakely Jr. and the late Ola Mae Blakely (nee Johnson). The second of eight children Donna remembers always "being at church". Her pastor during her youth was the late Bishop William O. Blakely Sr. She began her solo singing career at the tender age of seven, where she remembers her first solo "Salvation is Free". This song rings true in the case of Donna, who has gone throughout the Body of Christ blessing all with her God-given talents. Her first group performances were with the Hallelujah Choir of Faith Temple COGIC. These performances gained much notoriety and fame that they were invited to perform at the National Youth Congress. At the age of 13 she moved on to the young adult choir. Donna graduated from Horace Mann High School in 1976. During her high school years, she competed in many vocal music competitions where she accumulated an impressive 32 gold medals at the local, state and national levels. At this point, it became obvious that God had a specific gift and purpose for Donna's life. With the influence and guidance of her loving parents, Donna enrolled in Ball State University in Muncie, IN where she majored in, of course, vocal music. After leaving Ball State Donna returned to the region where she continued her musical service for the Lord. Upon her return home, she eventually met and married Elder Allen Jackson on April 30, 1983. Donna auditioned and was accepted in the group the Thompson Community Singers in November of 1987. Soon thereafter she was featured as a lead singer on their CD singing, "I'll Trade a Lifetime". She has traveled both nationally and internationally with the Tommies and was also featured in Europe with Calvin Bridges. While in Europe she had the distinct honor of singing before the Pope. She made an appearance on the "Geraldo Rivera" show that impressed them so much she was invited back to the show for an encore performance. Donna then decided to show her talents to the people at "Showtime at the Appollo". She not only won once, twice but she was a three-time winner. Her ministry expanded throughout Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana with her main focus in Michigan City, IN.