Elder Jerry L. Donaldson

Elder Jerry Lee Donaldson, 60 of South Bend, Indiana departed this life on Sunday, July 26, 2020 at Beacon Memorial Hospital; his loving wife and family were by his side. He was born on December 17, 1959 in South Bend to the union of the late Johnnie, III and the late Izola (Gates) Donaldson.

Jerry was raised in a Christian home and confessed his hope in Christ at an early age. He was baptized under the leadership of the late Rev. Willie V. Williams at New Hope M.B. Church. He later became a member at Ardmore-LaSalle Church of Christ under the leadership of Pastor Hardie Blake Jr.; he later joined Apostle Dennis and Prophetess Debra Givens at New Horizons Outreach Ministry and at the time of his passing, Jerry was a member at New Generation Christian Ministries under the leadership of Apostle Calvin and Pastor Sharon Macon.

Jerry grew up on “The Lake” and went to Harrison Elementary School. He attended John Adams High School and took pride in being a quarterback on the Eagles football team; he graduated in 1979. During high school Jerry participated in Project Upward Bound at the University of Notre Dame. In 1983 he was awarded a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s in Finance from Clark-Atlanta College in Atlanta. He was awarded an Associates (in 2007) and Bachelor’s (in 2008) in Theology from New Horizons Outreach Ministry. He was employed at Renew Inc. for over 29 years; the past 19 years at Renew he was the executive director where he assisted numerous families with buying their first home.

On May 10, 2004 Jerry married the love of his life, Theola Vanessa Heggler-Donaldson; she survives. 

Jerry LOVED praying, reading, especially the Bible, golfing and spending time with family. He was always excited about planning monthly family birthday gatherings. Some of the key highlights in Jerry’s life included attending the Inaugurations of President Barack Obama in 2004 and 2008; meeting the late Congressman John Lewis while visiting the Capitol; participating in the Million Man March as well as receiving an invitation to The Augusta National Golf Tournament. He was also proud of his run for South Bend City Council; his theme was “Let’s Put the Unity back in CommUNITY.”  Jerry was a member of the Par Putters Golf Club, the South Bend Chapter of Indiana Black Expo, NAACP, The 100 Black Men of South Bend; the Lake Reunion Committee and Southhold Dance Theater where he performed several years in the Nutcracker.

Jerry leaves to cherish many fun and loving memories, his wife; a blended family of five children: Jawanza Donaldson of South Bend, Jerrica Donaldson of Duluth, Georgia, Anthony (Cearia) Heggler of South Bend, Tashema (Herman) Haynes of Okinawa, Japan and Teena Birch of Ohio; 10 grandchildren; four sisters: Helen (William) Harris, Ruth (David) Blake, Gail (Wayne) Woodfork and Teresa Donaldson; five brothers: James Donaldson, Joe (Crystal) Donaldson, Ivan Donaldson all of South Bend, William (Lavern) Donaldson of Detroit, Michigan and Kenneth (Sharon) Donaldson of Cincinnati, Ohio; a special nephew, Brian “Bo” (Jeannine) Blake of Napoli, Italy and his sister-friend, Forestine (A.D.) Jackson; along with a host of other nephews, nieces, relatives, brothers and sisters in Christ and friends.

Along with his parents, Jerry was also preceded in death by two brothers: Paul and Tyrone Donaldson; one sister, Sheila Donaldson and a nephew Jarvis Donaldson.

Jerry will always be remembered for his affectionate gift of gab. He could hold a conversation with anyone about anything at anytime and anywhere. He was a God fearing man who prayed for anyone who requested prayer and if you asked him to pray for you, he’d take your hand and pray immediately. He had a warm and friendly smile accompanied by a healthy hearty laugh.

Jerry believed that death was life and he was prepared for an eternal life with God. Sleep on, dear Jerry, and take your rest; you know we all love you, but God loves you best.

If you plan to attend the funeral service, please note:  YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK. Thank you for your compliance.   

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