Mary Josephine Donaldson

Mary Jo Simpson Donaldson, age 82, of Live Oak, FL passed away Sunday, July 23, 2017 at her home following a courageous battle with cancer. She was born in Clayton, NM to Carrol and Ruth (Davis) Simpson and was the oldest of four children. While living in Palm Springs, FL, Mary Jo attended Holy Cross Lutheran Church where she made many life-long friends. In the late 70’s through the 80’s, Mary Jo was very active in the Palm Beach County Youth Football League. You would find her at all of the football games. During that time, she worked at Westward Elementary as an Administrative Assistant. She loved her job there. When they moved to Live Oak, she took every berry and the leaf for it to the local county extension office to find out what it was and if jelly could be made from it, and make jelly she did! If it could be pickled, she pickled it. From cucumbers to okra and green beans. She kept family and friends stocked with jelly and pickles. She was a dedicated member of the Order of the Eastern Star where she held the offices of Worthy Matron, Grand Page, Grand Instructor and Grand Escort. She was predeceased by her parents, two brothers, David (Punk) Simpson, Harold (Simp) Simpson and a son, John W. Ross. She is survived by her loving husband, Dennis Donaldson, one brother, Bill (Anona) Simpson, children, David (Tammy) Donaldson, Danny (Susan) Donaldson, Mary (L.E.) Jones, Terri (R.L.) Marsh, Delaine (John) Cribb, Carol Griffin and Glanton Pyle, as well as numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. Memorial services will be held Thursday, August 3, 2017 at 11:00 AM in the St. Luke's Episcopal Church with Father George Hinchcliffe officiating with interment to follow in the St. Luke’s Episcopal Church Columbarium. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children or the Masonic Home, both located in Tampa, FL.