Betty E. Donaldson

Donaldson, Betty Ellen Roy passed away on January 26, 2026 at the age of 91. Born on December 4, 1934 in the town of Alexandria TN, the first born to Samual Grant Roy and Nettie Louise (Reeder) Roy. She was preceded in death by both parents as well as her husband, Robert Bruce Donaldson, her oldest child, Debborah Leigh (Donaldson) Eppler and her younger sister Linda G. Roy. 

She is survived by her son, Grant Bruce Donaldson and his wife, Kellie K. (King) Donaldson, three grandchildren, Shane Cantrell, Kimberly (Cantrell) Long & Jennifer (Epler) Luke as well as 5 great grandchildren, Robbie Long, Harleigh Long, Zac Long, Ava Luke and Cecily (CeCe) Luke all of whom called her NeNe a name she loved with all her heart.

She graduated from Henry Grady High School in Atlanta GA and attended Georgia State University, Samford University, UAB and Jefferson State Jr. College studying Early Childhood Development. She taught kindergarten in Atlanta public schools. In Birmingham she taught kindergarten at Lakeside Baptist Church and Philadelphia Baptist Church in Cahaba Heights (Vestavia). where she later became director and organized their license full time day care. After moving to Hattiesburg, MS she became director of a Kindercare center. After moving to Pell City, AL she was a substitute teacher at local public elementary schools. 

After retirement she enjoyed her remaining years in Leeds, AL. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Leeds and enjoyed their senior services. She did her part in bringing hundreds of young children to know the love of Jesus Christ during her lifetime. She was a shining beacon of light to all who knew her and a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother who is already missed.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Crohns & Colitis Foundation in her memory. crohnscolitisfoundation.org