Margaret Ann Wilkes Donodeo passed away on May 08, 2024 in Collierville, Tennessee, at the age of 84. Born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1939, Margaret Ann grew up and attended Valdosta High School where she was the starting guard on the 1957 State Champion Valdosta Kittens Basketball team. She went on to graduate from Valdosta State College in 1973 with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration. After receiving her teaching credentials she and her family relocated to Orange Park, Florida in 1974 where she taught Business Administration and typing at Clay High School. During her 25 years as a teacher she was beloved by her students and her coworkers alike. Many of her students would return to thank her for teaching them essential life lessons like her famous field trips to courtrooms and penitentiary settings.
Upon retirement she moved to Collierville, Tennessee to enjoy the good life with her grandkids and great grandchildren. She was an active member of Collierville First Baptist Church and truly loved to fellowship with her Sunday School class. She loved to travel to St. Augustine, Florida every year and reminisce on the beach with her “folks” telling stories and celebrating the good ole days.
Margaret Ann is preceded in death by her husband Roger Francis Donodeo of Orange Park, FL; her father, James Edwin Wilkes and mother, Evelyn Carter Wilkes both of Valdosta, GA. She is survived by her sister Evelyn (Teddy) Schwandt of Denver, CO; and a brother Jim Wilkes; Her son, James Raymond Studstill Jr and wife Kelly Anne of Collierville TN, a daughter, Margaret Suzanne Willoughby of Ray City GA; 7 grandchildren, Madison Dominy (Isaac) Camden Shaw (Levi), Grayson Studstill, Haisten Studstill, Carol Janice Willoughby, Paul Willoughby, and Raymond Willoughby; and 5 great grandchildren, Evelyn, Judy, Robin, Adah, and Graham.
Services will be held at Collierville Funeral Home located at 3863 Bailey Station Rd, Collierville TN on Saturday, May 11th. Visitation from 5-6pm followed by a Celebration of Life beginning at 6pm. An additional graveside service will be held in her hometown of Valdosta GA. Carson McClain Funeral Home will have charge of that service at a date to be determined.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Collierville First Baptist Church.
