Audra Donaldson

Audra Mae Hilton Donaldson, born 02/17/1923, passed to her Heavenly Home on April 18, 2009 surrounded by family who greatly loved her. Audra Mae was the second of nine children born to Velma Jones and John Irving Hilton in Haleyville, Alabama. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 66 years, Dalton S. Donaldson, her parents and one brother, Tom Hilton of Indiana. She is survived by her daughter, Joy Edson (Harmon) of Trussville, AL and her adored grandchildren, Jeana Stanley (Ben) of Moody, AL and Andrew Edson of Vestavia Hills, AL; siblings Lois Aaron of Sebring, FL, Bob Hilton (Evelyn) of Calumet City, IL, Jimpsie Doyel of Camden, IN, Sister-in-law, Sue Hilton, Dundee, IL, John Irv Hilton, Jr. (Dot) of Springdale, AR, Gaila Wallin of North Fort Myers, FL, Lexie Hilton (Nina) of Jasper, AL and Kellon Bates (Manos) of Bear Creek, AL as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Audra Mae graduated from Haleyville High School and attended the University of Alabama in Birmingham in later years. She was employed during World War II by Consolidated Aircraft in San Diego, California as a riveter while her husband served in the U.S. Marine Corps. Upon returning to Birmingham in 1945 she was employed by AT&T for ten years as a long distance operator and supervisor before resigning to dedicate her time as a full-time homemaker and mother. She later taught four year old kindergarten at her church and was known for the loving, structured environment of her classroom. She then returned to the professional workforce as a federal employee with the Social Security Administration and enjoyed her work there, receiving numerous performance awards until she retired at age 70. After retirement, Audra bestowed her loving care on her two grandchildren. Audra was dedicated to God and her church, working tirelessly in various leadership positions throughout her life.

The family wants to express their deep appreciation to Dr. Harold Simon and the staff of St. Martin's in the Pines, Assisted Living i�½"Evergreen for the exceptional and loving care provided during her last months.

The visitation will be held from 1:00 P.M. until 2:00 P.M. at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home, 1591 Gadsden Hwy, Trussville, Alabama on Tuesday, April 21, 2009. The chapel service will be held at 2:00 PM in the Jefferson Memorial Chapel immediately following the visitation with Dr. Timothy Lovett presiding. In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to Wings of Eagles, Inc., 108 Buckworth Circle4, Trafford, AL 35172.