Jean Christine Donaldson-Spears Tribute

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