Janet Joyce Donaldson

Janet Joyce Donaldson, born Janet Joyce Jones on October 22, 1945, in Holdenville, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 7, 2026, in Sacramento, California. Janet was born to Ms. Lillie Mae Stone.

Janet was raised in Oakland, California and attended McClymond's High School, laying the foundation for a life marked by quiet strength and resilience.

She relocated to East Palo Alto where she lived most of her adult life. She married Robert Donaldson and had a devoted son Robert Jr. from the marriage.

She began her professional career at Hewlett Packard, starting as a custodian. Through dedication and hard work, she advanced to become a PC inspector, holding her position with the company for twelve years. Janet cherished her time at Hewlett Packard, forming many lifelong friendships that brought joy and warmth into her life.

Janet relocated again after retirement to Sacramento, California where she lived until her passing. She had strong faith and was a faithful servant of Mt Sinai Baptist Church.

Janet was the Matriarch of her family. She was like a mother to other family members earlier in her life. They hold fond memories of her, and how much love she gave to them.

Her gentle and loving spirit was evident to all who knew her. Janet had a quiet personality, marked by generosity and an unwavering willingness to give to others. She was the heart of her family, always supporting and caring for those around her. Her commitment to service extended beyond her home – she was an active participant in the food pantry program at her church, serving the community with compassion and kindness. It was a role she relished, offering a helping hand to those in need.

In quieter moments, Janet found delight in watching her favorite television programs, with “Walker” holding a special place among her preferred shows. She also read her bible daily, and she prayed. These simple pleasures reflected the contentment she found in life’s everyday moments.

Janet’s legacy lives on through her loving family. She is survived by her devoted children Althea Smith, Robert Donaldson, and Teresa Patterson; her brother Mark Jones; sisters Kathy Manning and Gwen Gilbert; her beloved grandchildren Nicole Porter, Rick Porter Jr,  Robrisha Donaldson, Precious Donaldson, Robert Donaldson Jr, Jatiana Donaldson, Ike Williams Jr, Curtis Crosby Jr, Amiracle Crosby, Troy Crosby Jr; and her great-grandchildren Jelani Clardy, Chase Porter, Kelis Porter; beloved great-great grandchildren Kaedence Williams, Serenity Crosby, X’zavier Schade, Sapphire Crosby, Easias Crosby, Arisiah Crosby, and Esyah Rodgers. Each carries forward a piece of her love and wisdom.

Janet is mourned by the memory of those who preceded her in death: her mother, Lillie Jones; brothers Jessie Jones Jr. and Ricky Jones; sister Renee Jones; and her beloved son, Curtis Crosby.

Janet Joyce Donaldson will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her kindness, her enduring faith, and the legacy of love she leaves behind.

A few words from Janet's beloved son Robert: 

Janet Donaldson was an angel among us. She always saw the good in people. I wish I could see you come through the door one more time, but I know that is impossible. I will hear your voice no more. I know you can feel my tears and you don't want me to cry, yet my heart is broken because I can't understand why someone so precious had to leave us. I pray that God will give me strength, and somehow get me through as I struggle with the heartache that came when I lost you. I love you Mom.