Jean Christine Donaldson-Spears
- 64 years old
- Born Mar 10, 1944
- Died Aug 31, 2008
- McDonough , Georgia, United States
About
Heaven's garden holds a new bloom
Jean Christine Taylor Donaldson-Spears, beloved mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, cousin and friend, made her final transition on Sunday evening, August 31, 2008, due to ovarian cancer, in her home in McDonough, Georgia at age 64.
Jean was born March 10, 1944 to the late Jackson Taylor of the U.S. Army and Minnie Pleasant. She grew up in Muskogee, Oklahoma with her six siblings two of whom, Mr. Sanford S. Pleasant and Mr. Samuel Jackson, preceded her in death. There she completed Dunbar Elementary and Samuel Sadler Junior High schools. Jean graduated from Manuel Training High School in 1961 at the young age of sixteen.
After graduating from high school Jean married SFC Alfred G. Donaldson and from this union she was blessed with three children Deborah Donaldson Foster, MSgt Charles E. Donaldson, and Leona J. Donaldson.
On February 16, 1976 she wed William O. Spears.
Jean was a well-educated woman in a time when higher education was not seen as necessary, or attainable, for African-Americans or women. In 1977, She graduated with an Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Studies from Harbor College in San Pedro California. Jean continued her studies, majoring in Sociology, and received her Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University.
Jean Christine Taylor Donaldson-Spears was a Godly woman. She worshipped at a number of churches throughout her life and travels; most notably:
Antioch Baptist Church in Muskogee, Oklahoma
Temple Missionary Baptist Church in San Bernardino, California
Cathedral of Praise in Riverside, California
And finally, Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church in McDonough, Georgia
A gifted vocalist who founded, and organized gospel-singing groups, Jean combined her love for God, people, work, and music by sponsoring the “Voices of Holiness” choir with inmates of the California Rehabilitation Center. Jean also served as Senior Choir Director of Temple Missionary Baptist Church. Jean toured with the San Bernardino Community Choir and Collage Community Choir of Riverside, California. She lifted her voice with many famed Gospel Greats including Hezekiah Walker, Edwin Hawkins, Mighty Clouds of Joy, and Daz Patterson & the West Coast Singers.
Jean Christine Taylor Donaldson-Spears made her life and career about service and helping others find their way. She worked for Civil Service, Gulton Industries, Norton and March Air Force Base, Long Beach Naval Reserve Support Facility and the California Rehabilitation Center in Norco, California.
She was an organizer and member of the Association of Black Correctional Workers (ABCW), a professional organization established in 1972 to set and protect standards and to advocate for correctional workers.
For 25 years Jean contributed directly to the rehabilitation of inmates, and to the safety of society in her service to the California Rehabilitation Center in Norco, California. Prior to her retirement in 2002, she sponsored a choir for inmates, worked in the Civil Addict Legal Processing (CALP) Unit and served as a correctional counselor evaluating potential parolees for readiness to re-enter society.
Jean was as creative as she was academic. Her love for the arts whether it be music, literature or collecting various sculptures and paintings were revealed in her own works as she grew from seamstress to interior designer.
After retirement she lent her creative and professional talents to the business endeavors of House of Naomi. Here she enjoyed creating and implementing interior designs for clients with her friend Naomi Gilson. Jean continued this work until April 2008.
As her cancer progressed she was lovingly cared for by her sister LaFaiol “Doll”, her children, grandchildren, and dear friends. And as she was cared for by others she continued to minister her wealth of knowledge and love to the nonstop flow of family and friends old and new. And as only Jean could to do, with clear mind and heart, she gave instructions to her family to care for one another and reminded friends to be there to support her loved ones in her absence.
Jean Christine Taylor Donaldson-Spears loved God, life, family and the people she touched throughout her journey. She leaves behind to carry on her legacy her children: Deborah Donaldson Foster (Charles), MSgt Charles E. Donaldson (Rosa), and Leona J. Donaldson. Grandchildren: Cpl Dante M. Donaldson, Dominick E. Donaldson, Cory R. Foster, and Christopher J. Foster.
Siblings: Mrs. Eulalia M. Coleman, Mrs. LaFaiol “Doll” Charles (Joseph), Mrs. Maeanna Lightner, Mr. Michael Pleasant (Vickie), and Mrs. Helen Moore (Calvin). Nieces and Nephews: Michael Shawel, Lauren Jackson, Kathy Pleasant Fields, Steve Pleasant, Jamesmeca Dixon, Bridgitti Massey, Marcus Pleasant, Joseph Charles, Deriek Charles, Ian Pleasant, Mikel Pleasant, Maquetta “Toie” Moore. and a host of family and friends
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I SHALL WEAR A CROWN
Elder Lemuel OT Chavis II Jul 21, 2009
This young man had a buring desire to keep the chapel program open and asked the smiling lady, "would you sponsor our choir, for we can not have rehearsals with no sponsor." Her immediate response was, "Oh no, cant do it."
The young man being an inmate was saved and delivered from a sordid past, and held that that no had to be yes. One week later she approached the young man and said, "What is you name?" I responded, "My name is Chavis." She smiled and said, "Get the men ready for rehearsing."
The first rehearsal had over 65 voices, but later only the faithful, saved and delivered men of God would hang in there, for Ms. Spears played no games, God first!
I am that young man, I am Lemuel Chavis, II., I was the founder and of the Voices of Holiness at CRC, with my adopted mom, Ms. JC Donaldson-Spears, being at the helm as sponsor. This page could not contain all the victorious stories that we shared, the Holy Ghost filled services and concerts that were held behind prison walls, you had to be there.
During her last year as sponsor, we endeavored to do what no other prison had done in So California and that was to purchase our own robes. Ms. Spears worked, mailed and we sought family and friends as well as our own money to purchase 30 robes and not one penny came from the State. During our robe dedication, I surprised momma Spears with one of her favorite songs, "I Shall Wear A Crown." I will never forget that night nor this great woman of God.
Though my heart was sadden a year ago, I am so glad that I have found this page in tribute of such a great woman. She inspired me to be who I am today, not looking at my fall, not looking at my past setbacks, but learning to seek forgiveness of self and of others, and turn my setbacks into comebacks.
Now I am Saved, Called and Chosen by God, and was ordained the month of her passing. Yes, I am a product of positive change and a life rooted and grounded in Christ being taught and inspired by Momma Spears.
Yes you are wearing a crown, you are wearing your garments of praise, you are telling the story how you made it over, you have made it home.
God Bless you momma Spears, and remember to all on this side, "Spirit was never born and Spirit never dies." The spirit of this Woman of God, is yet a part of each of us of whom she touched along the way.
Founder and Past Director of the Voices of Holiness (CRC/NORCO)
Elder Lemuel OT Chavis II (Yelp, Momma, ELDER)........
dcatl (Sep 05, 2009)
What A MIGHTY Friend
G. Bee Bee White Sep 13, 2008
We realized that he did not want to be found, and we just looked at each other, and CRIS said ''we just have to work harder to get rid of this C.''
We were friends from that point on. Cris was the level headed one, I was the hot headed one. She accepted me as I was, but she never hesitated to pull my coat if she felt that I was out of line. Her favorite words to me was, ''Now Bee Bee''.
She was one of the few people the accepted people as they were, and because of this, she accumulated a host of friends.
She was a mediator and a confident, always level headed in a crisis with a prayer on her lips and in her heart, and will be remembered always for her giving spirit and her smile.
Nite Nite Cris,
Bee Bee
dcatl (Sep 20, 2008)
Senethua & Charles of Memphis
henryrmack Sep 10, 2008
dcatl (Sep 13, 2008)
My Mama Jean
kellyseagroves22 Sep 09, 2008
Even though I have so many good things to remember about Mama Jean, the best is when she got to meet my son Ty...I know she was there with us, and she saw him, and she loved him more in the 10 min she was around him, then anyone could ever imagine...She will be missed dearly, and I hope they know how lucky they are to have her up there.....I love you Mama Jean, and Ty will know you, I promise.