Anita Donaldson

Anita Joyce (Wells) Donaldson passed away peacefully on March 19, 2025, at the age of 67. She was born on February 8, 1958, in Springfield, Ohio. Anita was preceded in death by her parents, Hugh Shepherd Sr. and Susie (Wells) Shepherd, and her daughter, Ariel JoAnn Howard.
She is survived by her loving husband of 15 years, Abraham Carl Donaldson; stepchildren Timberlynn Donaldson, Deon Donaldson, and Shappel Clark; and siblings Hugh Shepherd Jr. (Karnika) and Lucretia “Chrissie” Shepherd Amick (Jeff).

Anita began her education in Springfield, Ohio, before moving with her family to Dayton, where she continued her studies in Dayton Public Schools. She graduated from Nettie Lee Roth High School in 1976, where she was actively involved in drill teams, sports, and various school organizations. Anita was selected for the Co-Op Program at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, and after completing the program, she was appointed civil service position. As a government employee she received many recognitions and acknowledgements for outstanding work. She continued her education at Wright State University while working at Wright-Patterson and retired after 15 years of dedicated service.

After retiring, Anita pursued further education at Sinclair Community College and earned an associate's degree in medical coding from Fortis College.
Anita will be remembered by her family and friends for her adventurous spirit and generous heart. She shared a special bond with her lifelong friends Jean Roberts, Julie Sutton, and Markerite Parker. Anita and her husband enjoyed traveling, often taking spontaneous trips to various states and casinos. She had a passion for thrift store shopping and loved finding unique treasures.
A devoted mother, Anita became a passionate advocate for the Down Syndrome Association after her daughter Ariel, born with Down Syndrome, inspired her efforts. She dedicated her time to helping Ariel and others access resources to improve their quality of life. Anita was also a strong advocate for mental health and volunteered regularly with the Special Olympics, her daughter’s schools, group homes, the Buddy Walk, church, medical offices, and various community organizations. Additionally, she served as a National Kidney Champion for her sister and played a pivotal role in helping her sister receive a kidney transplant.

Anita shared a special bond with her brother, particularly over their mutual love for Cassano’s pizza and chili dogs. Known for her talent in crafting, baking, and cooking, Anita’s famous recipes included her coffee cake, lemon meringue pie, butter rolls, chili, and meatloaf.
Thoughtful by nature, Anita believed in giving people their flowers while they were still here to enjoy them. She often surprised her family and friends with personal gifts and treats.

Anita is also survived by many cousins, nieces, and nephews, all of whom will miss her dearly. Special thanks are extended to her dear friend, Johnny Howard, for his unwavering support.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 4, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at W.E. Lusain Funeral Home, 2060 Germantown St., Dayton, OH 45417. A Repast for family and friends will follow immediately after the service at Favor 4 Forty Four Event Hall, located at 6542 N. Union Rd., Clayton, OH 45315.

In addition to flowers, the family requests donations to the Down Syndrome Association, mvdsa.org, in Anita’s memory. Anita will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, and the love she shared with everyone around her.