Juanita Faye Garrett Donaldson

Juanita was born in Hammond, Indiana on February 29, 1924, the beloved daughter of William and Bertha Garrett of Chalmers, Indiana. She joins in peace with her husband, Robert Donaldson, and son, Michael Edward Donaldson, along with her sister, Helen Garrett.

Juanita is survived by her sons, David Robert, and wife Isabelle, Donaldson, of Kittrell, N.C., William James Donaldson, and Jose Gallego, of Brooklyn, N.Y. One grandson, Christopher McElyea, of San Antonio, Texas. And her granddaughter, Anna Lee and Gary Stump, along with great grandchildren Casey and Kyle Stump, of State College, PA.

Juanita attended Perdue University, received her B.S. in English and her Pennsylvania State teaching certificate, from the University of Pittsburgh, and taught elementary school in Allegheny County, PA.

She devoted her life to caring for her husband and children. After her husband’s death, she moved to Carol Woods and was an active participant in that community for twenty-three years.

She whole-heartedly gave her service to the children of Orange County NC, as a literacy tutor, for over fifteen years – stopping only when her health prevented her from continuing.

Juanita was an active leader and participant in grief recovery, poetry appreciation, and the arts in Chapel Hill. She was also active in Elders for Peace, her church’s social initiatives, and human rights.

She was a member of the Chapel Hill United Church of Christ, where she will be fondly remembered as the ‘grownup’. Acts 17:26, gave her daily strength and acceptance. The opportunity for this world to live in peace, gave her hope and energy.

In honor to the memory Juanita’s lifetime of devotion to the written word, her family would like to encourage you to read to each other and, when possible, support your local literacy council in any way you can.