Donna Dodds Hamm

Donna Dodds Hamm - Age 83, of Flint, died Friday, October 3, 2025. Funeral services will be held 11AM Saturday, October 25, 2025 at Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Rd., Swartz Creek. Entombment will follow in Sunset Hills Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 2-8 PM Friday, October 24, 2025 and from 10 AM until the time of service on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a contribution in her memory, please consider the Humane Society of Genesee County.

Born on September 14, 1942, in Flint, Donna was the daughter of the late Edwin and Lenor (Kilwy) Dodds. She dedicated her life to funeral service and community volunteerism, proudly continuing her family’s legacy in the industry.

Donna’s grandfather founded Dodds-Dumanois Funeral Home, and she became the third generation to join the profession. After graduating from the Wayne State University Mortuary Science Program in 1963, she became one of the few licensed women in what was then a male-dominated field.

In 1980, Donna was named President and General Manager of Dodds-Dumanois Co. Funeral Home, a role she held until 2004. She was appointed to the first WSU Mortuary Science Advisory Committee by Marylou Williams and served as Chair of the State Board of Mortuary Science from 1981 to 1984. In 1989, she earned the CFSP (Certified Funeral Service Practitioner) designation.

A dedicated member of District 7, Donna worked her way through leadership roles and, in 1993, made history as the 100th President of the Michigan Funeral Directors Association (MFDA) - and the first woman to hold the position. She also served as Secretary and Treasurer of the Mortuary Science Foundation.

Donna will be remembered not only for her professional accomplishments but also for her pioneering spirit, deep compassion, and unwavering dedication to her community. She believed that serving the community was the dues she paid for living and working in Flint. Benefiting from her time and talents were the Chamber of Commerce, Child Welfare Society, Children’s Miracle Network, Flint Women’s Forum, Humane Society of Genesee County, Hundred Club of Genesee, Shiawassee, and Lapeer Counties, Hurley Foundation, Junior League, McLaren Foundation, NGA, and Salvation Army, and St. Cecelia among others.

She is survived by her children, Dawn Brindle and husband Stephen, Jeffrey Hamm and husband Brian Elmore; grandsons, James Brindle, Peter Brindle and John Brindle.

Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com