Mary Donaldson Johnston
Funeral services for Mary Donaldson Johnston, of Hugo, Okla., were held on Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at First Baptist Church of Valliant. Mary passed away June 15, 2024, at the age of 96.
Mary Lee Donaldson Johnston, daughter of George Washington and Liddie Mabel (Trusty) Donaldson, was born on May 15, 1928 in Valliant, Okla. She was preceded in death by her parents; love of her life, James Kirby; brothers: Edward Donaldson, Floyd Donaldson, Orval Donaldson, Nelson Donaldson, Benny Donaldson and Jessie Donaldson; sisters: Gracie Donaldson and Delva Ellingboe.
Mary was born and raised in Valliant, Okla. She was a hard worker from a very early age. At the age of only 3 years old, during the Great Depression, Mary would be out picking cotton with her family, so that they could survive. From that time forward, work became her way of life. She worked at the glove factory for many years and after leaving there, began cleaning the parks at Hugo Lake. After working all day at the parks, she would then go clean the 1st State Bank in Valliant. In her 70s, Mary was still working. She was a caregiver for someone who was many years younger than herself. She loved to cook for her family and always had an open house with a meal ready on the stove. Her chicken and dumplings were the best. Mary kept a large garden planted and canned everything she grew. While living in Valliant, she would walk all over town picking up trash and keeping it clean. In her later years, she enjoyed walking and visiting with her neighbors. Mary will be so missed by all who knew and were lucky enough to know her.
Mary is survived by her sons: Clifton Miller and wife, Linda of Hugo, Okla., and Ralph Miller and wife, Vickie of Spencerville, Okla.; daughter, Sheron (Gosvener) Womack of Valliant; grandchildren: Angela Bruno, Shane Miller, Monte Miller, Toni Potts, Diane Elledge, Ashly Rider, Shellie McCleskey, Sheila McCleskey, Oscar Brassfield, Quahana Nixon, George Gosvener and Casey Gosvener; brother, Wilburn Donaldson of Valliant and sister, Geraldine Wiggins of Mena, Ark.; along with numerous great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and loved ones.
Interment followed the service at Valliant Cemetery with Bro. Johnny Corgill and Bro. Mike Mings officiating, under the direction of Miller & Miller Funeral Home.
