Earl Donald “Donnie” Driver, Jr., of Washington, D.C., was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on

November 13, 1955, to Earl Donald Driver, Sr. and Geraldine W. Jackson Driver, and was the eldest

of two children. He passed away peacefully at Georgetown Hospital in Washington, DC on October

15, 2025 with his beloved cousin, Dr. Cynthia E. Harris, by his side.

He was baptized as a child at Vine Memorial Baptist Church in Philadelphia, where his grandfather

served as an assistant pastor. His faith, sense of community, and commitment to helping others

were guiding forces throughout his life.

Donald graduated from Ridley High School, where he played the French horn in both the marching

and concert bands. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science from Pennsylvania State University in

1977, followed by an MBA in International Affairs from George Washington University in 1980.

A lifelong champion of education and cross-cultural understanding, Don devoted his career to

supporting international students and building inclusive communities. He began at ELS (English

Language Programs) in Washington, D.C., continued as an advisor at the University of Maryland,

College Park, and ultimately served as Director of International Student Services at George

Washington University. His leadership and dedication were widely recognized, where he played a

pivotal role in supporting international students and fostering a welcoming, inclusive campus

community.

Donald also served the residents of the District of Columbia in multiple capacities: as a Special

Education Teacher and ESL Teacher, a human services employee for the Department of Human

Resources, and a Certified Application Counselor at the Department of Health and Human Services, where he

loved assisting DC citizens. He was also active in his community, working elections annually and

driving for Uber to connect with and support locals. Even in his later years, Don remained

committed to helping others and quietly making a meaningful difference in the lives of those

around him.

To meet Don was to feel seen, heard, and valued. He had an extraordinary gift for

connection—within minutes, people felt they had known him for years. His empathy, curiosity

about others, and deep kindness shaped everything he did.

Donnie was an avid world traveler, visiting countries including China, Germany, Spain, Brazil,

England, France, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Jordan, Cote d’Ivoire, Kenya, Panama, Jamaica, and

many other Caribbean islands. He was a lifelong learner and a joyfully unserious pinochle player.

He loved music, dancing, and animals, and over the years had many loyal canine companions,

including Marley, Pierre, Sasha, and Kyro.

He is survived by his brother, Wayne Karl Driver; his niece, Janae Driver; his sister, MaryAnne

Rahman; his uncle Edwin; and a host of cousins and extended family members who loved him

dearly and will carry forward his infectious sense of humor and love.

The loss of our Donnie will be deeply felt by family, friends, colleagues, former students, and the

countless residents of the District of Columbia whose lives he touched. His warmth, humor, and

light will continue to shine in all the hearts he touched.