Patricia Lee Donaldson's Obituary
Patricia L. Donaldson
Patricia Lee Donaldson died Saturday June 24, 2006 at her home from complications of Muscular Dystrophy. The oldest daughter of ?Red and Zell Whitworth, she was born July 5, 1937 in St. Louis, Mo. In 1942 the family moved to Longview.
Pat attended South Ward Elementary, Foster Junior High and graduated from Longview High School in 1955. Band was a major part of her high School life. She carried a snare drum during marching season and was recognized by her high-flung drum sticks. During concert season, she excelled playing the tympani.
She married Ron Wier in May of 1956. During a 15-year career as a naval officer?s wife she had the opportunity to live in San Diego and San Francisco, Calif., Virginia Beach and Norfolk, Va. and Plantation, Florida. She and Ron had three sons: Richard, who died in infancy, in 1960; John, born in 1965, and lastly Thomas born in 1967. In 1973 she and her sons moved to Hallsville, TX. John and Thomas graduated from Hallsville High School where Pat had become a custodian. Many former students still remember Miss Pat as someone who would listen to their problems.
A friend of 30 years came back into her life in 1986 when she married Paul Donaldson on Aug. 14, 1986. Paul was a driver for Wheaton van Lines, and during one period of 10 months, Pat traveled with him from coast to coast, moving families and seeing the country.
Pat loved being a part of the Hallsville First United Methodist Church. She sang in the church choir, was the church librarian, sponsored the Senior Adult Group, and had great joy teaching the children in Sunday School. Despite the increasing limitations caused by her disease, with the help of her husband and many friends she continued to be active outside the home and never lost her bright smile or her ability to say ?Amen? during the sermon time.
She is survived by her husband o f nearly 20 years, Paul Donaldson of Hallsville, her sons, John Wier of Dearborn, Michigan and Thomas Wier and his wife Shawn of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, and her sister Mickie Hand of Longview. Grandchildren are Timothy, Thea, Kimberley and James Wier. Also surviving are her step-children Andrew and his wife Desiree Donaldson, James Donaldson, and David and his wife Leigh Donaldson. Step Grand-children are Jayna, Matthew, and Ryand Donaldson. Nieces and Nephews are Jimmy and April Hand, Angie and Bob Kline and Mary and Jeff Kannard.
Visitation will be held Tuesday evening June 27, from 7pm until 9 pm at Rader Funeral Home in Longview, TX.
A celebration of Pat?s life service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 8 at the First United Methodist Church of Hallsville with Rev. Jeff Hastings presiding, assisted by Dr. Del Covington.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Hallsville, Texas.
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