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Mary Jo Savage Donalson

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University of Texas

Mary Donalson Obituary

Mary Jo Savage Donalson, 72, wife of the late Robert Lee Donalson, passed away on the 26th of February, 2007. She was born on the 18th of March, 1934 in Houston, Texas. Mary was preceded in death by her father, John Henry Savage and her mother, Leona Morgan Savage. She is survived by two sons, Clifton Howington Morris, III and wife Sarah, and John Howington Morris and wife Neyle; two grandchildren, Jake and Josie Morris all of Fort Worth, Texas; step-children, Stuart Donalson and wife Karen of Alama, CA, and Kay Donalson of Dallas, Texas; sister Diane Savage Borchardt; cousin June Barrett both of Houston, Texas. Mary Jo graduated from Reagan High School in 1952 and the University of Texas in 1956, where she was also a member of the Alpha & Delta Pi Sorority. During her life Mary Jo enjoyed tennis, golf, and bridge, but most of all she loved her family and friends. She was a member of Christ Church Cathedral. She lovingly kept with her during visits to M.D. Anderson a beautiful prayer shawl given to her by the "knitter's" of the church. She will be remembered for being a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She lived a life of loving kindness and grace. Her family expresses their heart felt gratitude to the caring members of the Houston Hospice, who took such loving care of Mary Jo. Contributions can be made to the Houston Hospice or M.D. Anderson. Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday, March 1, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. at Christ Church Cathedral located on 1100 Texas Avenue. Officiating will be the Reverend Canon Lucrecia Littlejohn. Serving as pallbearers will be Dan Borchardt, Gregory Feste, Sr., Gregory Feste, Jr., and Gene McGlynn.

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Published by Houston Chronicle on Feb. 28, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Mary Donalson

19 Entries

Josie Morris, Mary Jo & Shelby Staples June 2006

Pam Staples

March 7, 2007

Mary Jo was a woman of beauty and grace. We will always treasure the Thanksgiving she shared with our family, Clifton, Jake, Josie, John & Neyle at our home in Austin. She was loved by everyone who met her and will be missed by all!
Love,
Pam, Bruce, Spencer & Shelby Staples

Nancy Oliver

March 6, 2007

Mary Jo was such a wonderful person. We have all enjoyed the years of playing golf and going to the various events in Lago Vista.

She will be missed.
Nancy Oliver

Bette Burton

March 5, 2007

Thought of you often and hope all is well now. We are sisters, sorority sisters.
Bette & Jerry Burton

BILL AND JOY WEBB

March 1, 2007

WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER
HER SMILE EVER TIME WE SAW HER.

Jacque and Mike Gray

March 1, 2007

The first time I met Mary Jo, my husband and I were walking up to the doors of St Peter's for the very first time. She was wearing a sunny yellow dress and a sunny welcoming smile when she spotted us. I remember her warmth and happiness reminded me of Doris Day.

I also remember feeling shy and unsure of myself. Mary Jo must have sensed this, for she asked if we had visted an Episcopal Service before. When we told her "no," Mary Jo said she would love to have us sit with her. Once we went inside, I was so glad she was there to show us when to kneel, stand, pray, and sing! Without her, Mike and I could not have followed the service. We REALLY NEEDED prompting at every point! (There is no question that Mary Jo saved us from much embarassment!)

After the service, Mary Jo took me by the hand--literally, by the hand--and introduced me and Mike to the rest of the Congregaton. Mary Jo introduced us with such enthusiasm, people mistook us for her family! She continued to "sponsor us" every Sunday for the next six weeks! (Mike and I were slow learners.)

It is because of Mary Jo's initial warmth and kindness, we continued to return to St. Peter's.

Within a few weeks, I was Baptised for the first time. A few months later, my husband and I were confirmed in the Episcopal Church. Since then, Mike and I have followed in Mary Jo's "fellowship footsteps" by becoming active members of St. Peter's. Mary Jo's kindness eventually led us to become Sunday School teachers, Lay Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, Bishop Committee members, and membership in the Daughters of the King. I honestly do not believe all of this would have happened had Mary Jo not reached out to us with Christ's love that first Sunday SIXTEEN YEARS ago!

Surely, Mary Jo was one of God's Earthbound Angels that day so many years ago. Surely, Mary Jo is one of God's Heavenly Angels today!
And although Mary Jo will continue to be sorely missed by all of us on Earth, the Heavens must be rejoicing to have her!

I will always remember that Mary Jo's loving spirit was reflected in her smile. Today, I am smiling (and crying) when I think of her.

We love you Mary Jo! May God's blessings continue to rain upon you in Heaven and may God's blessings also rain upon your grieving family and fiends here on Earth!

Marion & Ken Guy

March 1, 2007

Please accept our deepest sympathies.

Mike & Jo Ann Thornton

March 1, 2007

We will always remember Mary Jo's beautiful smile. May she rest in peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Jack & Roberta Berry

March 1, 2007

Mary Jo was our friend and a few years ago, our neighbor. She was full of grace. God is with her.

Dodie & Matt Frost

February 28, 2007

Mary Jo was a special friend who went out of her way to make others feel included. Her loving ways will be sorely missed.

Bitsy Fletcher

February 28, 2007

Dear Clifton, John and family,
We are sincerely sorry for your loss. Your Mom was always kind, happy and a great friend to my Mom and Dad. Our prayers are with you all.
Sincerely,
Dwight and Bitsy Isbell Fletcher

Radford Freel

February 28, 2007

Mary Jo was in every sense a beautiful lady. She was a super role model. Her enduring kindess was a gift to all who knew her.

February 28, 2007

We send our lover and prayers to Mary Jo's family. She will be missed by all.

Jinny & Jack Guthrie

Meri Stanley

February 28, 2007

Dear John, Cliffton and family, Our thoughts and prayers go out for your loss. May you find comfort in the ONE who is well able to heal broken hearts..... Christ. We love you, Meri and Mike Stanley

Maja & Ron Linderman

February 28, 2007

Our deepest sympathy to Mary Jo's family, Mary Jo visited my mom while her mother was in Sagebrook nursing home, she did it out of the goodness of her heart, and we will always hold Mary Jo in a special place in our hearts. May God Bless you all and we are so sorry for your loss.

February 28, 2007

We remember Mary Jo with loving thoughts. She was a lovely little lady.
Bud and Shirley Boleman (Lago Vista,Tx)

Sue Hardy

February 28, 2007

I will remember Mary Jo for her beautiful smile and wonderful personality. We had some fun times at Reagan. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Diane, and the family.

James Pou

February 28, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Paul & Vanita Thomas

February 28, 2007

Mary JO's smile and presence will be missed by her many Lago Vista friends.

Norval Hensley

February 28, 2007

I shared experiences with Mary Jo at Reagan and UT. She was a lovely a gracious friend, and I enjoyed seeing her again at the Reagan 50th reunion. I share her family's loss.

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