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Donna Jean Watkins Gaston passed away on January 24, 2018, in Homewood, Alabama. She was born June 16, 1957, to Mary Lou "Ludie" Bullock and Francis Fletcher Watkins. She is predeceased by her father, her mother, her stepfather, James "Bus" Spencer, her sister Brenda Watkins Edwards, and her brother David Fletcher Watkins. She is survived by her husband, Charles Ware Gaston, and their daughter, Mary Frances Gaston, both of Homewood, and also by many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Donna grew up in Bluff Park and was a 1975 graduate of Berry High School. She was a 1979 graduate of Auburn University where she was a member of the Chi Omega sorority, serving as Social chair. Donna was a leader on campus as well, being elected a student government Senator from the College of Business. Donna was a Little Sister in Sigma Nu, the fraternity of her brother David, where she also made life-long friends. Following a successful career in pharmaceutical and biotech sales and marketing, Donna set out to fulfill her calling of wife and mother. She and Charles Ware Gaston of Sylacauga were married October 24, 1998, and Donna relished the role of wife and soon that of mother. Donna served the Cathedral Church of the Advent in many capacities, but perhaps most notably as a Prayer Intercessor at Advent House. Visitation will be Monday, January 29, at 10:15 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 11:00, both at Cathedral Church of the Advent, 2017 6th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203, under the direction of Ridout's Valley Chapel in Homewood, Alabama, 205-879-3401. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to: Cathedral Church of the Advent 2017 6th Avenue North Birmingham, AL 35203 or UAB Depression and Suicide Program Support Fund 1720 2nd Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35294-0122
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October 28th,2019 Dear Charles and Mary Francis, Our God is a loving God and there is no doubt that Donna is cradled in the arms of our Lord Jesus in heaven waiting to greet you.He knew her heart and it was good.. .Fellow Intercessor Rebekah
October 26, 2019
I am so sorry for the recent passing of Ms Gaston. My prayers are with all her family and friends at this time. May you find comfort in your memories of her and the hope to see her again.
1 Thessalonians 4:13.
Louise Silva
January 30, 2018
May God give the family peace. So very sorry for your loss.
January 28, 2018
My sympathy to the family. Remember God's word at Psalm 30:5, that weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. Be comforted.
A. Burt
January 28, 2018
Offering condolences to your family for the loss of your loved one. May the God of all comfort help you through this difficult time.
January 28, 2018
So sorry to hear this Charles and Mary Frances. In our thoughts and prayers. Former Woodland neighbor. Patricia and Paul Drentea/Tybor
January 28, 2018
My condolences to the family and friends of Mrs. Gaston. May you find comfort in knowing that your loved one is resting in peace. Sincerely, AS
January 28, 2018
Charles, I am so sorry for your loss. I pray for God's blessings for you and Mary Frances. My deepest sympathy. Just know that she is with our Lord and He will take care of her. Best love. Johnnie Richey
January 27, 2018
Donna was a special friend of my sister, Carson Etheredge. They loved the Lord Jesus Christ and loved sharing God's word. Now I pray they are rejoicing in Heaven together. I met Mary Franses when she was a baby but lived in CT. Sad for your mother's passing. Know that my thoughts are with you and your dad.
Faithfully,
Nancy Etheredge Ryszkiewicz
January 27, 2018
I met Donna not long ago when she and Charles (who is a friend of my husband Don) came to visit with us in NC. I fell in love with her immediately and was so looking forward to other visits. She had that warm, genuine smile that immediately made you feel that you had known her forever. Our prayers are with her family.
Terre Ingalls
January 27, 2018
She threw back her head when she laughed. Her whole being was a smile. I must have seen her last some forty years ago. My hope is while she rests in peace, because of the blessed resurrection of our Lord, she will rise again in glory. I will look for her when the kingdom opens it's gate for me.
Teri Jacobs
January 27, 2018
I met Donna about 30 years ago in Nashville at church singles group. She was a vivacious go-getter with a great heart. She was always initiating activities and providing encouragement to us all. I lost track of her after I moved to Birmingham. One day I was at the YMCA pool and she called my name and told me she had moved to Birmingham, got married and had a daughter. She told me that God was good because she was very happy. I knew she meant by way she was beaming when she introduced her daughter.
Joe Pitard
January 26, 2018
I met Donna when my 3 children first started Advent day school. Donna went out of her way to engage with me and my children at any service at the church or a field trip. My daughter Raegan Kessler and Mary Frances were friends. They played together a lot growing up. I really considered Donna as a great friend. I'm happy to have the wonderful memories of her and all the kind words spoken to me and my children. She definitely made me feel special. I pray Mary Frances to have peace knowing that her very precious Mother is with the Our Lord.
Kristie Kessler
January 26, 2018
Dear Charles and Mary Frances: I am praying for the both of you in this time of sadness and loss. I only met Donna one time since at the Advent and she was a precious person to meet. I wish I could be at the services but I will be out of town at my sister's for a few days but know my prayers and thoughts are with you my long way back friend.
David Williams
January 26, 2018
Donna and I were in a Bible study that met at her condo in Nashville when we were single gals. She had boundless energy, was a lover of God and had the sweetest spirit. I was glad to recently connect with her on Facebook and loved seeing the occasional post. Please know the singles community at Christ Presbyterian loved her and we had a lot of fun together. I know you'll miss her!
Michele Stephens
January 25, 2018
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