Barbara Sue "Gonghi" Donalson

Barbara Sue Donalson, lovingly known to her family as "Gonghi," passed away peacefully on January 16, 2026, in Panama City Beach, Florida, at the age of 84.

To many, she was Gonghi-but not everyone knew how the name came to be. When her granddaughter Heidi was little, she could not pronounce the word "grandma." Instead, "Gonghi" came out-and it stuck. From that moment on, the name became part of who Barbara was to her family, reflecting the closeness, affection, and love that defined her role in their lives. Born October 16, 1941, in Boma, Tennessee, Barbara graduated from Oak Ridge High School in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, where she was a majorette in the school band and a member of the National Honor Society. In her early adult years, Barbara and her family experienced very humble beginnings, living in the projects. During this time, she became known throughout the neighborhood for her fearlessness, compassion, and willingness to help others, often ensuring neighborhood children had rides to school. Many of those she helped during this season of life remained in contact over the years and later returned to express their gratitude for the impact she had on their lives.

Barbara's life's work and passion was cake decorating, a craft at which she truly excelled and for which she was widely known as one of the best. She also served as a devoted caretaker for her sister Doris. Around the time her granddaughter Hannah was born, Barbara retired and became a full-time grandmother, embracing that role with joy and devotion. This chapter of her life allowed her to slow down and enjoy time in Panama City Beach, Florida.

Affectionately known as "Gonghi," Barbara was deeply involved in her grandchildren's lives, attending dance recitals, swim meets, and scholastic events. She was lovingly known as the family's "swim taxi," always present and supportive. She was a dedicated Tampa Bay Rays fan who rarely missed a game and enjoyed simple pleasures such as Entenmann's donut holes. More than anything, Barbara was a listener-she genuinely cared about people, supported them without condition, and encouraged others to believe in themselves and do better.

Barbara lived her life firmly rooted in God's Scripture. She was a longtime member of Central Baptist Church and faithfully watched church services every Sunday when she was no longer able to attend in person. Her deep love for Jesus guided her life and gave her peace. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas Borden Anderson and Margaret Jernigan Anderson, and her siblings Doris Virginia McKamey and Charles Edward Anderson.

She is survived by her children, Alan High Donalson and Jo Lynn Donalson; her grandchildren, Heidi Ann Retherford and Hannah Lynn Retherford; her siblings, Thomas

Allen Anderson and Linda Kay Duncan; and extended family. Barbara Sue Donalson, lovingly known as "Gonghi," will be remembered for her strength, her devotion to family, and the quiet love she gave so freely. Her deep love for Jesus guided her life and gave her peace, and her legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew her.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, January 30, 2026 at Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home with the family receiving friends from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm. at the funeral home. She will be buried at Evergreen Memorial Gardens. Pastor Jay Powell will officiate. Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home is entrusted with the services.