Brenda Elaine Donaldson

          Ms. Brenda Elaine Donaldson, 71, of Youngstown, transitioned to eternal peace with the Lord on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at Mercy Health St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital.

          Ms. Donaldson was born October 26, 1953, in Lyndhurst, Virginia, a daughter of George R. and Bernice F. Hodges Bell.  She was a 1971 graduate of Stuart’s Draft High School and later graduated from nursing school in Virginia where she received her LPN license.  Brenda had been employed with Northside Hospital as a nurse for more than 25 years and later retired from Care Source as a Case Manager in 2019.

          She was a member of Mega Church in Cleveland, Ohio, where she served as a co-lead intercessor, worked with the Children’s Choir, and Women’s Ministry.  She also served on the intercessory team at the former New Life Church in Cortland, Ohio, and on the Praise and Worship Ministry and Youth Music Ministry at the former Evangel Assembly of God in Youngstown, Ohio.

          Brenda had worked as a volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America at Martin Luther Lutheran Church and the Parent Teacher Association at the former Sheridan Elementary School, both in Youngstown, Ohio.  She was a member of the Nurses Secret Sisters, a union representative for Northside Hospital, the Southside Neighborhood Block Watch; and an usher at the DeYor Performing Arts Center. She was also supporter and donor to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

           In addition to her volunteer work, Brenda enjoyed canning, knitting and harvesting fruits and vegetables from local farms in Ohio and her hometown in Virginia. You knew Brenda loved your company if she ever gave you a jar of her strawberry jam, can of pickles or chow-chow, a hand-written card with a kind note, or if she gave you a blanket she knitted with your favorite colors.  

          She leaves to cherish her memory and to celebrate her life and legacy, two children, Stanley (Nicole) Donaldson Jr. of Norfolk, VA, and Stacey Donaldson of Crofton, MD; two grandchildren, Savannah and Sadie Donaldson; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family and dear friends.

          Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, George Russell “Butch” Bell Jr. and David Bell.

          Visitation will be Saturday, June 7, 2025, from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. at the Rising Star Baptist Church, 2943 Wardle Avenue, Youngstown, OH.  A celebration of life service will follow at 10:00 a.m.

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