Imogene Helton Donahue

Softly and tenderly, Imogene Donahue slipped into the loving arms of Jesus on Wednesday, May 30, 2018. She was the devoted wife of 63 years to L.A. “Ab” Donahue of Lynchburg, formerly of Roanoke. Born June 14, 1932 in Saltville, Virginia to the late Charles Edward and Evelyn Hodgson Helton; Jean (6) and her brother’s were brought to Salem after the untimely death of their father and raised at the Baptist Children’s Home. Imogene used the skills taught, to her advantage throughout the rest of her life. This upbringing shaped and molded her into the loving, nurturing, caring and independently strong willed person known by her family and friends. She graduated from Andrew Lewis High School in 1951 where she met her future husband, Ab Donahue. After his return from the Air Force, they married April 1, 1955. They made their home in the Roanoke Valley. In 1970, the family moved to Lynchburg - Ab opened Commonwealth Reprographics Incorporated (CRI) offering blue prints and quick copy services where Imogene utilized her bookkeeping skills. In 1972, CRI merged with Mutual Press into the entity of CRI Mutual Press; now CRI Digital Impressions. As a wife and mother, she prided herself in being a good home maker. Her interests varied. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, canning and preserving foods for her family and friends. She was always on the sidelines cheering for her son’s athletic events. She loved Cardinals and Hummingbirds and had an extensive collection of Irish Belleek. As a member of the Leesville Lake Waterski Club, she earned the rank as a competitive water ski judge. She pursued her interest in genealogy, leading to her active involvement in the United Daughter’s of the Confederacy. During their retirement, Ab and Jean RV’d exploring all the lower 48 States and into Canada. Later, they began to “Winter” over in Florida where many great friendships and memories were made. Becoming a Grandmother brought great joy to Jean’s heart and life earning her bragging rights! She dearly loved each one for their unique qualities and personalities. They would lovingly tease one another and with open arms she cherished every hug, kiss and laugh out loud moment. “Granma” was truly blessed by their unconditional love. Imogene was born with the “gift of gab” keeping all in stitches with her “Jean-isms”. Having a competitive spirit - she never missed a good Bingo, Yatzee or card game. In addition to her husband, Ab, she is survived by her sons, Mike Donahue and his wife Vickie of Elizabethton, TN and Pat Donahue and his wife Amy of Forest, VA. Her Grandchildren, Kelsie Yates and husband James of Va Beach, VA, and their son, Brady; Kevin Donahue and Leslie Donahue both of San Antonio, TX and Erik Donahue of Forest, VA. She is also survived by a brother, Tommy Johnson, Sister-in-laws; Joyce Helton, Arlene Johnson, Helen and Emma Donahue and a beloved childhood friend of 80 years, Douglas Ann Slusher, whom affectionately called her “Emmie”. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Buddy and Jack Helton and Billy Jo Johnson. A Celebration of her life will be held Saturday, June 9th @ 3:00 p.m. at Whitten Timberlake Chapel, 7404 Timberlake Rd., Lynchburg with a Reception following. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in her memory to: Baptist’s Children’s Home PO Box 849 Salem, VA 24153 Alzheimer’s Association 3959 Electric Road Roanoke, VA 24018