Harriet Antoinette “Toni” Donaldson
July 11, 1940 – September 7, 2026
Harriet Antoinette Donaldson, affectionately known as “Toni” to those who knew and loved her, passed away on September 7, 2026, at the age of 86.
Toni was born on July 11, 1940, in Pennsylvania to Preston Mitchell and Rebecca Wilt. Throughout her life, she was known for her tender heart and her special love for animals, babies, and the elderly. Caring for others came naturally to her, and she gave so much of herself while raising her two daughters and caring for those she loved.
Family was at the center of Toni’s life. Her home was rarely without a beloved pet, and she passed her deep love of animals on to her daughters. Her compassion for animals and people alike was simply part of who she was.
Toni was fortunate to share her life with two wonderful men. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Burl McCormick. Following Burl’s death, Toni was blessed to find love again with her second husband, Lynn Donaldson, who also preceded her in death.
She was also preceded in death by her parents, Preston Mitchell and Rebecca Wilt; her sister, Gladys Ort; and her brothers, Sonny, Luverne, and Clark Wilt.
Toni is survived by her two daughters, Sue Ann Hegerty and her husband, Wayne, of Cooper City, Florida, and Pam McCormick Teel and her husband, Willis Teel, of Montgomery, Alabama; her stepson, Leslie Donaldson and his wife, Catherine, of Lacombe, Louisiana; and her sister, Patty Stewart, of Wingate, North Carolina.
She was a loving grandmother to five grandchildren: Jarett Frazier and his wife, Sara; Courtney Frazier and her wife, Joy; Drew Teel and his wife, Elizabeth; Brent Teel; and Reed Teel and his wife, Elizabeth.
Toni was also blessed with six great-grandchildren: Jackson Frazier, Samantha Frazier, Cali Ann Teel, William Teel, Emma Kate Teel, and Jackson Teel.
She is also survived by many sisters-in-law, one brother-in-law, and numerous nieces and nephews.
During the last several years of her life, Toni lived in Jacksonville, Florida, near her grandson Jarett. Jarett held a very special place in his grandmother’s heart. He lovingly cared for her and made sure she was well looked after. His devotion to his grandmother was a tremendous blessing to Toni and to the entire family.
Toni was a member of the Church of Christ, and her faith was an important part of her life. She also had a very special place in her heart for Camp Wiregrass. Toni loved the idea of children having the opportunity to attend church camp—a place where they could make wonderful memories, build lasting friendships, and, most importantly, learn more about God and grow in their faith.
In keeping with Toni’s love for children and Camp Wiregrass, the family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to Camp Wiregrass. These gifts will help give a child who might not otherwise have the opportunity the chance to attend church camp.
Camp Wiregrass
P.O. Box 311072
Enterprise, AL 36331
A memorial service and lunch will be held on Monday, September 14, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at College Avenue Church of Christ, 337 College Avenue, DeFuniak Springs, Florida.
Toni’s life was filled with love for her family, compassion for others, devotion to her faith, and a special tenderness for those who needed care. She will be remembered for the love she gave so freely, the animals she adored, and the family that meant everything to her.
Her family takes comfort in knowing that the love Toni gave throughout her life will continue through her daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all those whose lives she touched.
Her legacy is one of love, and that love will live on for generations.
