Honoring Donovan Reese Sumner

Donovan Reese Sumner was born to his loving parents, Danny and Madeline Sumner, on June 14, 2018 in Fairfax, Virginia. Affectionately known as Don or Don-Don to his parents and family, Donovan was a shining light to all of those whose lives he entered. He was a loving son, always giving the best hugs and would frequently tell his mother, “I love you Mommy.” As a protective and loving big brother, Donovan was also very helpful in caring for his little brother Danilo. 

Donovan loved spending time with his family and friends and was full of energy, especially when playing basketball, watching WWE, and also performing wrestling moves. Often you could catch him dancing, with his latest favorite dance being the Floss. He loved Sonic and Spiderman, and would dress up in their costumes and emulate their characters by doing various Spiderman poses and displaying his Super Sonic speed.

He had the perfect mix of his mom’s affectionate character and his dad’s calm demeanor. Particularly, Donovan was a strong reflection of his father, and had a sweet smile, quiet nature and was very smart and curious. He thoroughly enjoyed school, and he loved to read. He even tested into the Rising Scholar Program as a kindergartner and continued to thrive in the program. He was well known amongst his peers and teachers and was referred to as being kind, considerate, generous and helpful. He had received the Good Citizen Award for his multiple acts of kindness.

Following in his father’s footsteps, not only in personality and his love for fishing, Donovan was also a believer in Christ and loved the Lord. His parents laid the foundation for him and around the age of 4, he accepted Christ into his heart and life. Prayer was also very important to him at such a young age, and he often took the time to pray for a friend or stranger. One of his favorite scriptures was John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Donovan’s gentle kindness and sweet spirit will be missed by all of those who love him.

Donovan leaves to cherish his precious memories: His mother Madeline Sumner; brother Danilo; grandparents Danny & Kents Sumner, Dana Turner & John Christopher Seaton; great-grandmother Elma Pugh;  aunts Loretta, Kenisha, Sharita (Chad), & Daneca (Steven); cousins Tanasia, Trevon, Michael, Christopher, Jayvion, Kayla, Christian & Vincent, Jr.; as well as a host of other relatives and friends, all of whom hold a special place in their hearts for an angel gone too soon.