Alene Roberts Donaldson passed away Thursday at the age of 94. Alene was born in Haleyville, Alabama, the daughter of Thomas and Myrtle Roberts. She met her future husband, Ray Donaldson, at church in Haleyville when both were five years old. They later married and moved to Huntsville in 1955.
As a young mother of three children Alene started a part-time job working in the catalog department at Sears Roebuck. She liked it so much and made so many friends that she stayed for over 30 years. Following retirement, she volunteered at Huntsville Hospital for an additional 17 years where she enjoyed greeting visitors and delivering flowers to patients’ rooms.
Alene was blessed with the gift of hospitality. An avid cook, she loved nothing more than entertaining family and friends and did so by hosting countless parties, showers and holiday gatherings. Her marshmallow fudge cake and special sausage balls are still family favorites.
Alene dearly loved her family and many friends. Most of all, she loved Ray, traveling and working tirelessly alongside him at home and at their church for 68 years, until Ray passed away.
In addition to her husband, Alene was predeceased by her son, Randy Donaldson and youngest daughter, Jan Donaldson Parler. She is survived by her daughter, Patsy Donaldson Evans (John)of Atlanta; daughter-in-law, Suzie Donaldson of Atlanta; son-in-law, Rick Parler of Charlotte; sisters, Laura Wiggins of Birmingham and Louise Smith of North Richland Hills, TX; brother, John Roberts of Haleyville; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, September 28th at Laughlin Service Funeral Home, immediately followed by the funeral service in the chapel. A private graveside service will be held.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Huntsville, with gifts designated for the Huntsville Assistance Program or the Generations Fund.
