Donna Toliver Grimes

Donna Maria Toliver Grimes entered eternal rest on the morning of December 10, 2024. Born on April 5, 1956 in Washington, DC, she was the eldest child of James Matthew Toliver and Phyllis Campbell Toliver. Donna fully and immensely loved life, her blood family, her church family, and her community. 

Donna will be remembered as the heartbeat and moral compass of her family. She grew up in a tight knit family where their Catholic faith was the foundation of their values. As the eldest child, Donna adopted an attitude of servant leadership early on. She was eager to lead, support, and watch over her younger siblings. She assisted her mother with administering religious education, guiding her siblings home from school on the metro, preparing dinner, and taking her sister for afternoon walks. These early experiences provided the foundation for her later accomplishments in the areas of social justice and community activism.

Because of her infectious smile, positive energy, and optimistic attitude, whenever Donna entered a room, people gravitated to her gentle, genuine spirit. Donna was a distinguished graduate of Elizabeth Seton HIgh School and made history as their first Black class president in 1974. After high school, Donna attended the University of Virginia where she obtained her bachelor’s of science in speech pathology-audiology. After graduating from college, Donna joined the Federal Service and quickly rose up the ranks to become a contracting officer and supervisor. After much prayer and reflection, Donna decided to make a major career shift. Leaving Federal Service, she joined the United States Conference of Catholic BIshops (USCCB) in 2000 as an Education Specialist for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. Later she was promoted to Assistant Director for the Secretariat of Cultural DIversity in the Church. She retired with that title in September 2023. Throughout her career at USCCB, she was respected and admired for being a “bright light” and a smiling fighter who always encouraged others to push for the issues that were important to them.

 A clear and concise thinker, Donna used her writing publications and speaking engagements to inspire various audiences. A thoughtful author and gifted orator, Donna led workshops throughout the church and wrote numerous articles, newsletters, and reflections. She also taught for the Institute for Black Catholic Studies at Xavier University of Louisiana and for the University of Dayton’s Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation. Donna’s commitment to her Catholic faith and her unwavering principles guided her every step and every work; and her written and spoken words imprinted on the hearts of all who encountered her. When in your presence, if she had something on her mind, she did not hesitate to tell the truth. 

Donna was an active member of St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church (STA), where she and her late husband Herb served as pillars in the Black Catholic Community. At STA, Donna served on numerous ministries, including the Sodality, Religious Education, Lectors, Life in the Spirit charismatic prayer group, Social Justice Ministry, Eucharistic Ministry, and Health Ministry. Adamant about serving the community through several social justice initiatives, Donna also was a member of the Washington Interfaith Network (W.I.N.), a Pax Christi USA Ambassador of Peace, a staunch member of Sisters in the Spirit (S.I.S.), and an integral participant in the Elizabeth Seton Alumni Association (Class of 1974). She also served on the Local Station Board (LSB) for Pacifica’s WPFW 89.3 FM radio station. 

Donna Toliver Grimes was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Herbert “Herb” Nelvin Grimes, on November 7, 2008. She leaves behind her father James Toliver; three children Nyle Ayana, Kamau Malik, and Ayinde Sekou; two brother brothers Mark (Barbara) and Dwayne (Gina) and one sister Victoria “AusetSaRaQeti” Whaley; nephew Mark II, nieces Elise and Menkhu-tA MenAb, and great niece Alayah. In addition, she leaves behind one fur child (Naomi), one grandpup (Koda), many cousins and other family members, and many, many friends.