Donna Royal

Born on June 13, 1951, in Omaha to Nathaniel and Jeanetta Royal, she was a cherished daughter and sister. After completing her education in Omaha, she met Anthony Eugene Sanders. Together, they embraced the spirit of the revolution as members of the Black Panther Party and went on to build a family of four beautiful children.

Driven by a desire to provide a stronger foundation and new opportunities for her family, Donna eventually relocated to Portland, Oregon, to be near her siblings, Victor and Linda. While there, she attended Portland Community College, earning her degree in Early Childhood Education and becoming a dedicated member of the Black Student Union. She was a fierce advocate for education, ensuring her children attended private schools because she believed their futures deserved every possible advantage.

Donna lived a full and vibrant life. She found great joy in cooking, music, writing, and traveling. Above all, she was defined by her immense love for her family. Her wide circle of friends and relatives will forever remember her for her strength, her blunt honesty, and her loyalty.

She lived a full life, and she now rests fully. We are deeply grateful for the love and support you have shown our family during this time as we honor her remarkable journey.

She leaves behind to mourn her four children:

• Antoinettia Denise Royal of Las Vegas, NV

• Dana “Tye” and Anthony “Itty Bitty” Royal of Vancouver, WA

• Donyel Nicholas Royal of Omaha, NE

She is predeceased by her father Nathaniel Royal, mother Jeanettia Steen, Victor and Linda Royal. She is survived by her siblings: Keith Ross of San Francisco, CA; Stanley Royal of Phoenix, AZ; Vanessa Royal Hampton of Portland, OR; Carl Moffett, Gwendolyn Harvey, Nathaniel Royal Jr., Chrissa Ann Royal, and Sonja R. Cheese, all of Indianapolis, IN. 

Grandchildren: Whitney Armstrong, Serena Clark, Nicholas Royal, DeBriana Phillips, Nick “Bubba” Ivey, Christopher Royal, Dana Royal Jr., Davien Reese, Jordan Kelly, Jonathan Armstrong, Dominque Royal, Deshawn McDonald, Donovan Brannon, Melody Montgomery, and Debonaire Montgomery. She is also blessed with six great-grandchildren.

Nieces: Geneva English, Helen Patterson, Edwina McCray, Carla Moffett, Christian Suggs, Cassey Lynn Royal, and Crystal Royal.

Nephews: Victor Hampton, Andre Campbell, Jamal Dixon, James Royal, and Jermaine Royal. She is preceded in death by nephew DeWayne Hampton.

A large host of great-nieces and great-nephews also carry her memory forward.

Her story is long, layered, and unapologetically hers. And every life she touched now carries a piece of her forward.

A formal ceremony to inter her ashes will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, June 12, 2015, in Rose City Cemetery, 5625 N.E. Fremont St., Portland, OR 97213.