john lee donald
1921-1995
Life Story
Birth & Parentage
John Lee Donald was born on August 13, 1921, in Newton County, Mississippi, to John Donald (1891–?) and Addie B. Ware Donald (1898–1941).
Marriage & Family
John Lee Donald married Lula Mae Robinson (1928–2000). Their marriage was rooted in church life and extended family ties within the Newton community.
Occupation & Work
In 1950, John Lee Donald was employed with the United Gas Company. In addition to this work, he performed vocational and construction-related labor, reflecting the skilled trades that supported many families in the area during the mid-20th century.
Military Service
John Lee Donald was a World War II veteran. He enlisted in the United States Army on February 8, 1943, and was honorably discharged on November 27, 1945.
Church Life & Service
He was a lifelong member of Saint John Missionary Baptist Church, where he served faithfully as a deacon and later as chairman of the Deacon Board. His leadership within the church reflected a deep commitment to faith, order, and community service.
Death & Burial
John Lee Donald passed away on October 21, 1995, at Newton Regional Hospital after a long illness. Funeral services were held on October 26, 1995, at Saint John Missionary Baptist Church. He was laid to rest in the church graveyard.
Survivors
At the time of his death, John Lee Donald was survived by:
- His wife: Lula Donald of Newton
- Two sisters:
- Mrs. Catherine Evans, Newton
- Mrs. Beatrice Holoway, Gulfport, Mississippi
- One brother:
- Richard W. Donald, Wyandanch, New York
- Two goddaughters:
- Nekeeya Casy, Newton
- Tenisha Ickom, Newton
- A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends
Nephews served as pallbearers, nieces served as flower bearers, and the deacons of Saint John M.B. Church served as honorary pallbearers.
Historical Note
John Lee Donald’s life reflects a pattern seen across Saint John’s cemetery records—military service during World War II, steady industrial and skilled labor, and long-standing leadership within the Black church as a central institution in Newton County’s African American community.
Resting Place
Saint John Missionary Baptist Church Graveyard
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1930 Federal Census
- 1950 Federal Census
- U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current
- U.S. Public Records Index, 1950-1993, Volume 1
- U.S. Public Records Index, 1950-1993, Volume 2
- The Newton Record, John Lee Donald Obituary, Wed, Nov 15, 1995 ·Page 14
- U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007
- U.S., Department of Veterans Affairs BIRLS Death File, 1850-2010
- U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
- U.S., World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946
- U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947
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