Lucille (McGowan) Donaldson

Mrs. Charlie Lucille McGowan Donaldson, also known as "Tootsie", was born in Abbeville County, South Carolina on December 19, 1945.  She passed away on January 13, 2025 at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Lucille was the daughter of the late E.L. McGowan and the late Hattie Beulah Oglesby McGowan.  She was the wife of the late Earlia Donaldson for 55 years.  Lucille attended J.S. Wright High School in Abbeville, SC.  She worked in manufacturing for many years. After retiring she started driving the van for Meals On Wheels and babysitting until her health declined.

Grandma, aunt Tootsie and Mrs. Cake (to name a few nicknames), never met a stranger.  She loved her family and loved people.  She welcomed many people into her home and heart.  She touched so many lives in a loving way.  She will truly be missed.

Lucille was a faithful and devoted member of Flat Rock A.M.E. Church, where she served as a missionary, a member of the Inspiration Choir, church van driver, director of the children's choir, and a member of the Women Aid Society.  She absolutely loved working with children and they loved her as well.

She leaves to cherish fond memories two daughters, Valarie Earleen Donaldson of the home and Tonia Arlene Sloan of Anderson, SC; two sons, Rev. Emmanuel (Monica) Donaldson of Antreville, SC and Andra Marcel Donaldson of Anderson, SC; a devoted grandson of home, Emmanuel Donaldson, Jr.; eighteen grandchildren; thirty-five great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild; one brother, James Edward McGowan; four sisters, Mary Ann Hatten of Anderson, SC, Addie Brownlee, Sheila (Gerald) Terry, and Melissa Martin of Antreville, SC;  and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Earlia Donaldson; two sons, Christopher Darryl Donaldson and Earl Anthony Donaldson; one sister, Annie Kate Washington; and her parents, E.L. and Hattie McGowan.

The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 19, 2025 at Flat Rock A.M.E. Church. The interment will follow in the church cemetery. Public viewing Saturday from 1:00 until 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

The family is at the home.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lucille (McGowan) Donaldson, please visit our floral store.