Martha Jo Ray Donaldson, 80, passed away on March 22, 2025 in Iuka, Tishomingo County. She was born and raised in the Black Zion community of Pontotoc County. After she graduated Pontotoc High School with the class of 1962, she earned an associate degree from ICC in 1964. Martha married Billy Donaldson in 1966 and she worked for Woodman of The World (Woodman Life) from 1968 to 2009 as the office manager of the state office. She was a member of Zion Baptist Church at birth and transferred membership to First Methodist Church of Pontotoc in 1966. She loved to garden, grow flowers, play music, and spend time with her family and grandchildren. Martha and Billy built a Homestead in Colorado in 2010 where they lived part time when they were not travelling after retirement. They considered their Colorado neighbors (Troy and Grace Zinn) as their family.
Survived by her sons, William Joseph “Joey” Donaldson(Christy) and Steven Donaldson(Sherry); A brother, Billy Lane Ray; Her grandchildren, Taylor Donaldson, William Donaldson, Gus Donaldson, Joey Carpenter, Trey Carpenter; Great grandchildren, Kylie Donaldson, Katie Donaldson, Khloe Donaldson and Lillie Ruth Carpenter.
Preceded in Death by her husband William “Billy” Donaldson; Her father and mother, Gambrell Ray and Opaline Hall Ray.
Services will be held at 1PM, Saturday, March 29, 2025, at First Methodist Church of Pontotoc with Rev. Brad Hodges and Rev. Kenneth Corley officiating. Visitation will begin at 11 and continue until service time. Burial will be in the Zion Baptist Church Cemetery.
