Donna J. Wooden-James

Donna Jean Graves, the oldest of six children, was born on June 16, 1949 in Indianapolis, Indiana to Donald and Valeria Graves.

She received her education in the Indianapolis Public Schools and graduated from George Washington High School.

Donna worked at Fort Harrison Finance Center briefly. During this time, she was married and had two children, Lisa Wooden and Adonis Wooden, from that union. Donna was employed at the State Office Building where she worked through the ranks to become the Deputy Commissioner over the Revenue Division. She retired after 36 years of service. Also, during those years she worked part-time for the Murat Center. She loved working there as it gave her extra money. What she really looked forward to were the live plays and meeting the celebrities, which were very many. A couple of her favorite past times were traveling, going to casinos, bowling, watching sports, and playing cards at The Post, and winning! She was a generous blood donor and received a certification for such. Donna later married Michael James, the love of her life in 2012 after a long-time relationship. They enjoyed sports and traveling until his passing.

“Mama”, “Granny”, “Aunt Dee Dee”, “Sis”, and “Dee”, will be greatly missed. She has earned her wings.

Donna J. Wooden-James departed this life on Wednesday, December 11, 2024. Her husband, Michael James; parents, Donald E. Graves Sr. and Valeria M. (Crenshaw) Graves; three brothers, and four nephews all preceded her in death.

She leaves to cherish her memory two daughters, Lisa M. Wooden and Adonis R. Brandon; and three grandchildren: Te'Jhawna M. Malone, Myana R. Brandon and Alana M. Brandon; great-grandson, Ardis L. Griffin IV; brother, Rev. Dwight Graves (Kathy); four sisters: Jacqueline Thompson (Anthony) , Lorraine Jackson (Terry), Dawn Hoskins, and Rhonda Pitt; a host of nieces., nephews, loving family and friends.