Josephine Donaldson, age 88, of Kelso, TN, passed away on August 7, 2024, at Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville, TN. Born on September 23, 1935, in Brooklyn, NY, Josephine was a beloved figure known for her extraordinary warmth and culinary talent. Her home was often the gathering place for family and friends, where she delighted everyone with her homemade traditional Italian dinners and earned the cherished title of “World’s Best Pizza Maker” from her grandchildren.
Josephine’s nurturing spirit extended beyond her own family; she and her husband opened their hearts and home to seven foster children while raising six of their own. Her commitment to caring for others continued through her work at Eagle Snacks and her making her renowned cinnamon rolls at Lincoln County Hospital, as well as her volunteering at Lincoln Medical Center. An enthusiastic clog dancer and the cherished “Granny” at Sunshine Daycare, Josephine’s life was a testament to her boundless generosity and joy.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Joe Donaldson; children, Jean (Jerry) Benson, Michele (Darin) Rutledge, Steve (Brenda) Jefferson, and Michael (Michelle) Donaldson; grandchildren, Rachel (Nick) Muzzarelli, Ashley Benson (Sean Howell), Adam Rutledge, Ryan (Christy) Rutledge, Valerie (Steven) Cannon, Amanda Eslick, Candice Donaldson, Josh (Brittany) Donaldson, Bobby Jefferson, Jr., and Chrissy Cosgrove; and numerous great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, daughter in-law, Annette Bates Findley and extended family members. Josephine was preceded in death by her parents, Mario Meraglia and Josephine Felisi Meraglia; son, Bob Jefferson; daughter, Robin Weddington; granddaughter, Jasmine Weddington; and ten brothers and sisters.
A funeral mass will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at St. Anthony Catholic Church with Father Jerry Kopel officiating. Interment will follow in Higgins Cedar Hills Memorial Gardens. Visitation with the family will be from 4 PM until 8 PM on Friday, August 9, 2024, at Higgins Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Higgins Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Josephine Donaldson.