Leah Inez Donaldson

Leah Inez Bivens-Donaldson, 91 years of age went to her heavenly home on September 20th, 2025. Leah was born in Greenville, Florida to the late Robert Bivens and Essie Mae Bivens who preceded her in death. Leah became a longtime resident of Macclenny, Florida for the last 70 years. Leah gave her life to Christ at the early age of 13, and loved going to church and praising the Lord. Leah retired after serving 26 years at the Northeast Florida State Hospital and the Northeast Florida Community Action Agency as a Greenthumb Worker. Her education included graduating from Richardson High School Class of 1952, Lake City, Florida and an Associate's Degree in Human Services.

Leah knew and loved a lot of people and a lot of people knew and loved her. She had several skills and talents. She loved sewing, reading the local newspaper and her bible, shopping, and most of all cooking and baking. On Sundays for many years, she happily fed her family and friends in her home. As her daughter Heather affectionately named her kitchen "The Greasy Spoon."

Leah will be greatly missed by her children: Chandra (Lewis) Mabrey, Kendrick (Tywannza) Singleton, Heather Bell, Chad (Renatta) Donaldson. Her remaining two siblings Elijah Bivens, David Bivens and a bonus brother Daniel Gibbs. Her grandchildren: Chelboni Martin who she partially raised, Ebone Singleton one of her caregivers, Kendrick Singleton, Bryce Donaldson, Christoper Donaldson and Chassity Donaldson. She also leaves behind five great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews to include a very special and devoted niece Debra "Jean" Dawson. Extended children: Elder Lavorn Donaldson, Cathy Donaldson, Cloretha Timmons, Darryl (Troy) Donaldson, Rufus Donaldson, Norris (Stephanie) Donaldson, Telv (Charlene) Donaldson, Earlene Donaldson and Annette Donaldson. Goddaughters: Danette "Kim" Stroud, Barbara McElvy, Jacqueline Willis, Naomi Ramirez, Joann Chestnut, Rita Paige, Linda Mitchell and Tonda Manning. Godsons: Vern Williams and Walter Battles. Very special longtime friends Catherine Albritton, Caldonga Williams, Winnie Pender, Verdell Russell, Grace Givens, Rose Doilson, Theresa Chandler and many other sorrowing family and friends.