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.
39 Comments To "Josephine Donaldson"
#1 Comment By jay george On August 8, 2024 @ 10:52 am
Your mother was so sweet. She always had a smile. I’m so sorry
#2 Comment By Kathy Shook Brown On August 8, 2024 @ 11:19 am
Mrs. Joise is happy in the Lord now.My condolences to all her family and friends. Our families go way back and will be forever connected. Prayers for each of you. She was a “good mess” and will be remembered in my heart.
#3 Comment By Anna Smartt On August 8, 2024 @ 11:29 am
Miss Jo was such a sweet, kind and loving Christian lady. I have known her almost my whole life and I will remember her for the rest of my life. I will miss her hugs. My condolences to her family. May God comfort you.
#4 Comment By Karen Gilliam On August 8, 2024 @ 11:33 am
I share in your sorrow. May you all find comfort in His word and promise of it. My sincere sympathy.
#5 Comment By Sarah and Jack Raby On August 8, 2024 @ 12:34 pm
Jack and I are so sorry for your loss. Our hearts and prayers are with all of you.
#6 Comment By Rickey and Wanda Lamb On August 8, 2024 @ 12:35 pm
Michele and family, We are sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
#7 Comment By Jill & Jim Roark On August 8, 2024 @ 12:36 pm
Our condolences to the entire family on the passing of a true matriarch. May God ease your anguish as you prepare to celebrate Josephine’s wonderful life.
#8 Comment By Kim Halcomb Cowart On August 8, 2024 @ 1:24 pm
Ms Jean & family, your mother was a sweetheart and loved by so many kids that went through her love and hugs at the daycare. May God provide peace as your hearts heal. You are in my prayers.
#9 Comment By Robin Shelton On August 8, 2024 @ 1:43 pm
Farewell to one of the most loving people that ever walked this earth. I so enjoyed my times at the Donaldson home when visiting my childhood friend, Robin. Josie was so inviting to all. We never ran into each other that we didn’t have a good time. She raised wonderful children that I also love and I feel this terrible loss along with them.
#10 Comment By Joy Honea On August 8, 2024 @ 2:06 pm
Loved Mrs Josie.
Heaven gained a sweet sweet lady. Love to you all.
#11 Comment By Wanda W. Williams On August 8, 2024 @ 2:23 pm
Steve, Brenda, Mike, Michelle and families, We are so sorry for your great loss. Our thought and prayers to all of you as you adjust to great changes in your lives. Our love, Wanda and Bob Williams and Naomi Wallace
#12 Comment By Judy, Mike and Jonathan McLeod On August 8, 2024 @ 4:30 pm
Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Mrs. Josie was a very special lady. Always so full of life and laughter.
As God holds you in His arms, we hold you in our hearts and prayers.
#13 Comment By Diane Buchanan On August 8, 2024 @ 4:48 pm
So very sorry for your loss! Her life was a testament to her boundless love!
#14 Comment By Brenda Burns On August 8, 2024 @ 4:49 pm
Josie was a one of a kind lady.Always a smile and sometimes a story. Never a dull moment and beautiful lady inside and out.My Heart goes out to Joe, Steve ,Jean ,Bobby,Robin and all the family.God has fir sure gained another Angel….
#15 Comment By Bonnie Reavis On August 8, 2024 @ 6:27 pm
Josie always had a smile on her face and a sweet spirit in her heart. I know her family will miss her greatly. You all are in my prayers.
#16 Comment By Diane Knowles On August 8, 2024 @ 6:52 pm
Dear Joe, Jean, Michelle, Steve and Michael,
My heart is hurting for your loss but rejoicing for her in her eternal home. She was just precious to me as you all are. So many great times growing up and spending time at y’all’s house when I would come home with Jean. She was a great cook and showed me a few things. She always called me sweet baby when I would see her and Joe out and hug me and give me a kiss on the cheek. A special lady was she!! I love you all and my prayers are with you🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏.
Love and preyers
Duane Spray Knowles
#17 Comment By Katie Womack On August 8, 2024 @ 7:06 pm
So sorry for the loss of your dear loved one. May God comfort you all during this very difficult time 🙏❤️
#18 Comment By Jerry and Terry McGehee On August 8, 2024 @ 7:39 pm
I am so sad to hear of Ms. Josephine’s passing. She was always so very friendly and never hesitated to speak and give a hug when I saw her. We will be keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers. Love to all.
#19 Comment By Gina Gentry On August 8, 2024 @ 7:48 pm
I am so sorry to hear of Ms. Jo. The time I knew her she was precious. Love you all.
#20 Comment By CHERYL WICKS On August 8, 2024 @ 7:49 pm
JEAN, STEVE AND FAMILY… I DIDN’T PERSONALLY KNOW HEE BUT 2 OF HER CHILDREN, JEAN AND STEVE JEFFERSON I HAVE BEEN BLESSED TO KNOW THEM… MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS FOR YOUR DEAR MOTHER, RESTING IN THE ARMS OF ALMIGHTY GOD, IN JESUS NAME AMEN
#21 Comment By Martha Wolf On August 8, 2024 @ 8:05 pm
Josie was a good friend to Gary and me. We enjoyed many good times together. I will be praying for Joe and all of his family during this sad time. Love, Martha Wolf
#22 Comment By Doris Quick On August 8, 2024 @ 11:18 pm
A very special lady, always with a smile. She will be missed by many.
#23 Comment By Jane Bradley On August 8, 2024 @ 11:46 pm
Heartfelt condolences to the entire family. Josie was a dear friend who taught me so much about the Italian culture through our many conversations. I loved her laughter and all the times we spent together. Rest in peace and know that you will never be forgotten.
#24 Comment By Sandra Lancaster On August 9, 2024 @ 6:36 am
I worked with Mrs. Josie at Eagle Snacks and as you know she was one very special lady. I just wanted to let you know that I really liked Mrs. Josie very much and she was one very special lady. I will have all of you in my thoughts and prayers in the days and weeks ahead of you. God bless you all.
#25 Comment By JoAnn Orlando On August 9, 2024 @ 6:57 am
So sorry if hearing the loss of Aunt Josie. Have very fond memories of her and Uncle Joe when growing up and last seeing them after we got married and they came to our house and my husband made the zeppolies. Wish we lived closer to have shared her wonderful life and could pay our respects now but know she and the family are in our thoughts and prayers. Cousin Joe & JoAnn (Uncle Busters daughter)❤️🙏
#26 Comment By Judy Strope On August 9, 2024 @ 8:37 am
Oh no! Our world will be less bright without Josie! Love and prayers to Michael and Michelle and all Josie’s family.
#27 Comment By Debra Meraglia On August 9, 2024 @ 9:43 am
Rest in Peace Aunt Josie. I remember you with fond memories of all of us together for family gatherings
Now you are at peace with all your brothers and sisters. Please give my Dad a hug and kiss for me
My sincerest condolences to your family
You are all in my thoughts and prayers 🙏 ❤️
#28 Comment By Timmy & Jane Ogle On August 9, 2024 @ 10:23 am
My heart is broken over the loss of such a sweet loving lady. Josie was always the life of the party, lit up every room she entered! A strong loving friend , always checking in on our family. We were honored to have her in our life. Love to all you and prayers of comfort .
#29 Comment By Debra Self Simms On August 9, 2024 @ 11:02 am
Such a beautiful sweet soul. I remember her so well. Especially when Bob and Annette were dating, my friendship with Steve and beyond. Everytime I saw her she had a smile. I’m sorry I’m not able to come to the service due to having knee surgery. Prayers for the family.
#30 Comment By Donna Collier On August 9, 2024 @ 6:58 pm
Joe, Michelle and all the family I am so sorry for your loss. There will never be a more precious soul than Ms Josie. She made friends everywhere she went. I will miss her beautiful smile.
#31 Comment By Kay Honey On August 10, 2024 @ 10:50 am
Dear Donaldson Family, we are so sorry for your loss. Prayers for comfort. Anthony and Kay Honey
#32 Comment By Rose Osteen On August 10, 2024 @ 1:21 pm
So sorry for your family’s loss I was out of town and could not make it but my thoughts and prayers were with you all❤️🙏
#33 Comment By Kay Honey On August 10, 2024 @ 1:48 pm
Dear Donaldson family, we are so sorry for your loss is Mrs. Josie. Prayers for comfort. Anthony and Kay Honey
#34 Comment By Linda Gatlin On August 10, 2024 @ 2:37 pm
Family,
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Josie was such a wonderful lady, so full of warmth, love, kindness and joy. I was always delighted to see her because I knew she was always about to welcome me with a smile and a genuine hug that was so sincere, She had a way of making others feel special. She was a blessing to so many. I know your hearts will always miss her! Prayer for comfort at this difficult time.
#35 Comment By Kathy Neal On August 11, 2024 @ 12:23 pm
Such a beautiful soul and sweetest woman. Wish I had been able to see her more.
#36 Comment By Ken Pamplin On August 11, 2024 @ 7:31 pm
Remember Miss Josie when she worked at Eagle Snacks. Such a sweet lady. So sorry for your loss!
#37 Comment By Lynn Hudson On August 15, 2024 @ 7:51 am
I loved her so much! She was like another Mom. She and Joe were a huge part of my childhood. Thank you Jean and Michele and family for the memories I will treasure forever. Much love.
#38 Comment By Chris &Sheila Belado On August 17, 2024 @ 9:12 am
Josie was a Sweet Precious Soul!! We loved her dearly and are so saddened to hear of this loss to our world.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers as we know too well the pain of her absence.
She will be waiting to see you all again !! Keep your faith in knowing that God has you all in his arms during this time.
Sending Love and Prayers
#39 Comment By Debra and Gary Stoykovich On August 21, 2024 @ 3:08 pm
We are so sorry to hear of Josie’s passing. What a precious person she was. Her kindness and caring way will be missed by all. We will keep our friend Joe in our prayers.