Our sweet angel baby, Donnayah Brishae Bell, left this world and stepped into her mother’s loving arms on October 8, 2015.

Donnayah was born on her uncle’s birthday on May 31, 1996 to Chaundra Riggs and Donald Eugene Bell in Eureka. She was born prematurely and at 4 pounds, she literally fit in the palm of our hands. She thrived and was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 9. Donnayah continued to persevere through her illness. She was an excellent student and loved spending time with her friends and family.

She graduated Zoe Barnum High School last year and was chosen as the opening speaker for the commencement ceremony as well as leading the pledge of allegiance. After high school Donnayah worked as an aide in the Washington Elementary afterschool program. She excelled at all of her jobs, being selected for promotions and pay raises. She attended College of the Redwoods and continued to pursue her interests, which was working with children and starting work on a degree in early childhood education. Her ultimate goal was to become a pediatric nurse specializing in children with diabetes. She loved furthering the success of her family’s organic vegetable farm, Skyfall Farm.

She was a valued member of the farm team and participated in the farm’s success, first place— best in class — small farms, at the National Heirloom Expo. She was able to accomplish all this even after the loss of her mother, Chaundra Riggs, five years ago.

She didn’t let the continued worsening of her diabetes stop her. She spent the summer traveling to New Orleans with her uncle, aunt and cousins. She also took family trips over the years with her father, grandmother, brothers, Mamaw, uncles, aunts and cousins. The diabetes eventually claimed her life but she refused to let it define her.

We couldn’t be more proud of the amazing person she was. Our family will never be the same without her light in our lives.

Donnayah is survived by her loving father, Donald Bell. As well as her loving brothers, Dondre, Daylyn, Avondre, Antorius, Damarte, Dontae, and Malachi, as well as her Paternal Grandmother, Cassaundra Ester, Paternal Grandfather Donald Bell, Aunt Christina Martin, Uncle Delvon Sanders, Cousin Moka Camina Johnson. Great Grandmother Mattie Ester, Great Aunts Cheryll Jackson and Damita Baribee. Step-Grandfather Grady Williams. Great Uncles Charles Bell, Luther Bell. Great Aunts, Barbra Bell, Alice Jackson, Jackie Bell, Tessie Ester. She is also survived by her Maternal Grandmother, Mamaw-Jamie Marx, Maternal Grandfather Patrick Riggs, Great Aunts, Cynthia Ross and Sandra Irvine. Aunts, Kali Serotta, Marishka Riggs, Ivory Marx, Rachael Riggs, Uncles, Indy Riggs, Orion Riggs, Addy Marx, Chris Washington. Cousins, Christopher Washington, Mishaundra Washington, Marisha Ramirez, Nikita Washington, Ricky Riggs, Shayna Riggs, Osiah Riggs, and Ryker Meza. Stepfather Tommy Young, Grandma Linda, Aunt Monique and her loving friend Chevy. As well as many, many other family members and friends whom she loved and loved her very much. She is greatly missed by her dogs, Lil Lou and Sassy and her buddy Copper.

The family would like to suggest that donations be made in Donnayah Brishae Bell’s honor to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. 

Services will be held Monday October 19, 2015 beginning at 11 am at the Christ Episcopal Church: 625 15th Street, Eureka.

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The obituary above was submitted by Donnayah Brishae Bell’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.