Donald A. Major

The Journey of Life On April 16, 1934, Donald Alfred Major was born in Washington, DC to the late Jesse and Edna Major. Donald was the middle child and their only son. He received his formal education through the DC Public School system and attended Dunbar and Cardozo High Schools. At a young age, Donald was introduced to entrepreneurship by his father, and owned and operated Donald’s Sandwich Shop which was located on U Street in Washington, DC. In 1952 he entered the United States Marine Corp where he served as a cook, and received the National Defense Service Medal, Navy Occupation Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and an Honorable Discharge in 1955. Also in1952, Donald welcomed his only child, Brenda into the world. After serving in the military, Donald received the distinct honor of working as a Chef at the White House under the Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy and Lyndon Baines Johnson Administrations. In 1970, he joined the DC Department of Corrections as a Corrections Officer at the DC Jail. While with the Department of Corrections, he met and married Margaret Boone in 1987. During their marriage, they attended St. Matthews Baptist Church where his wife had been a longtime member. Donald retired as a Senior Correctional Officer after 23 years of service. After retirement, he later worked for Wackenhut Security as a Security Officer at the Washington Gas Company. Throughout his life, Donald was known as a very stylish dresser, had a great sense of humor and loved to travel and listen to music, especially oldies but goodies. Due to his charismatic ways, Donald was affectionately known by his family and friends as “Don Juan”. He enjoyed spending time with his daughter Brenda and his one and only granddaughter, Renita, who was the apple of his eye. They routinely went shopping, eating and took long walks throughout DC. Donald also enjoyed being involved in civic organizations and was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the VFW and several other organizations. Suddenly and without warning, Donald transitioned peacefully on September 16, 2018 at Brookdale Woodward Estates Assisted Living Facility. Donald will be lovingly remembered by his daughter, Brenda Lawson (David), sister, Jessica King (Harrison-preceded in death), grandchildren Renita Payne (Kevin) and Lamar McCutchen (Nicole); great-grandchildren, Brianna Milline, Jameir McCutchen, Trinity Payne, Kevin Payne, Jr., Khai Payne, Kennedy Payne and Ava McCutchen; niece and nephew, Stephanie Watson (Eric) and Daryl King, and a host of other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Edna Major, his wife, Margaret, and his sister, Lillian Jackson. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Donald A. Major please visit our Sympathy Store.