My late husband Donovan Holliday joined the U.S. Marines in October of 2019. He was a Special Operations Capability Specialist for MARSOC. He ensured seamless communication throughout his combat deployment in Iraq. Which is a very critical contribution to the success of their missions. Due to his passion, knowledge and work ethic during his deployment he was nominated for a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal. Which he never received, however, I received it on his behalf.
Donovan passed away in a motorcycle accident around the corner from our home in October of 2024.
He just came home from a 2-week training as he was getting prepared for his second deployment in the upcoming months. On his day off he decided that he wanted to relax and then head out with his friends to go to our county’s fair. On the way to the fair a person decided that they wanted to make a left turn into the neighborhood cutting off oncoming traffic.
The person’s turn wasn’t timed appropriately which caused the collision that resulted in Donovan losing his life. This was a very unexpected loss that I nor my daughter were prepared for. Losing Donovan has been the worst loss of our entire lives. And a loss I am still trying to accept and recover from.
To tell you a little more about Donovan; he was such a joy to be around. He lit up every and every room he was in. He had a smile that shined so bright and no matter what kind of day you were having he would always make it better.
He worked hard for me and our daughter; he always put us first in everything that he did. He was so smart, funny, silly, adventurous and perfectly himself.
Donovan loved being a father to our daughter. He yearned for the days when she would get older and he’d be able to play with her more. He always assumed that she would be just like him. And he was right. She is just like him in many ways.
It’s very different and hurts differently to see your daughter lose the sparkle in her eyes due to grief at such a young age. It is a pain I wish on no one.
Our daughter Lelani who is now 4, deals with grief in many ways and it’s hard sometimes for her to vocalize her feelings, which is completely understandable. Going through such a drastic change at such a young age does a lot to a kid.
This is why I am forever grateful for the SOWF family.
With their help I was able to get my daughter into a really great school in our area. Getting her into school has changed her life and mine drastically.
It’s amazing watching her grow, express herself, vocalize her needs and simply find her own outlet.
She has grown tremendously and I love seeing her little smile again. This is a blessing that I am forever grateful for.
I know that my daughter is safe where she is and is in good hands and that’s more than I can ask for.
As for me, as a parent, this makes me feel at peace and at ease knowing that she will be taken care of. It takes off one less thing on my never-ending plate and that’s more than enough for me.
Now that she’s in school it has freed up time for me to actually grieve and just be sometimes.
And knowing that her education is taken care of creates a bit of peace in a chaotic situation.
I just want to take a moment to let the SOWF family know that you guys are doing a great job and are changing family’s lives.
Thank you from the bottom of heart for the opportunity you’ve given my daughter and for taking a little weight off my shoulders.
You are all amazing individuals.
Thank you all again,
Secret
Lelani Holliday is the surviving daughter of Sergeant Donovan Holliday who lost his life in 2024 while serving with the 2nd Marine Raider Battalion.
