Missionary Jacquelene Washington-Donald

Missionary Jacquelene Marie Washington-Donald was born in Maryville, Tennessee, to Ollie Mae Washington and John Frank Jr. She went home to be with the Lord on March 23, 2025, at Covenant Harrison Hospital.

Jacquelene faced early losses, losing both her mother and grandmother in her 20s. Raised by her grandmother, Rev. Gertrude Washington, Jacquelene accepted the Lord at the tender age of six. At 16, she moved to Saginaw, Michigan, to be with her mother and stepfather. She joined Coleman Temple C.O.G.I.C. (2716 Wadsworth - The Little Church with a Big Heart) at the age of 31, serving in numerous capacities.

A devoted member, Jacquelene participated in all the choirs, including the celestial choir, adult choir, and youth choir. Even during illness, she remained dedicated to kitchen work, often preparing food while seated. Her service extended as the Sunday school secretary and as part of the hospital, nursing home, and prison ministries, where she would pray and have church with those unable to attend. Known for her generosity, she would feed and care for anyone she encountered, frequently stopping to offer rides to those she saw walking.

Jacquelene married her high school sweetheart, Mr. Melvin (Redbone) Donald Jr., on January 7, 1994. She leaves to cherish the memories of her children Thabitha (Charles) Williams, Marcus (Latisha) Washington, Nickole Washington, Octavia (Westley) Pulliam, Niashia Donald, Jamika Donald, Albert Baker, Patricia Donald, and Latavia Baker. She also cherished two bonus daughters, Kimberly McDonald and Sharon Chapman, as her own.

Jacquelene was blessed with 15 grandchildren, including a special grandchild she raised as her own, Ebony (whom she called "MY BABY"), Rodney Turner Jr., Diamond Washington, Demarquavious Washington, Markell Washington, Marcus Washington Jr., Marqueisha Washington, Detriona Whitley, Markira Washington, Markeshia Washington, Marketa Washington, Markayla Washington, Taveyah Washington, Nicholas Washington (whom she called "Her preacher"), and Westley Pulliam. She also had seven great-grandchildren: Shawn’Ziya (her smart girl), Rodney III, Bentley, Genesis, Kaiden, Braydon (her Genius), and Brooklynn (her church Mother). Jacquelene had 6 siblings: Natalie Dave, Carolyn Lundy, Debra Lundy, Regina (Leon) Hollenquest, Tonja Sanders, and Joseph Sanders.

Affectionately known as Miss’y Donald, Jacquelene continued to serve in ministry whenever possible. She was dedicated to outreach, providing food, shelter, and clothing to those in need. She served as the driver for district missionary mothers, including Lily, May Shields, and later Mother Josephine Bady Hughes. Her love for people and care was evident in her actions, especially in feeding and caring for all the children in her neighborhood.

Jacquelene's legacy of love, faith, and service will continue to inspire all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Reverend Gertrude Washington, grandfather, Sylvester Washington, mother, Ollie Mae Washington, stepfather Joseph Sanders Sr, three aunts Vessie Washington, Louise Washington, and Maddie, Washington for uncles Booker T Washington, Noah Washington, Glenn Washington, and Claude Washington. A special thanks to Covenant Harrison ICU team, Kelly, and Dr.Palya. A special thanks to Sis.Bobbie Buford and Joan Nickelberry MY FRIENDS!!