Bettye Gray Donahue

Bettye Gray Donahue (Smith), age 77, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 23, 2018. She was born in Elizabethtown, North Carolina to Lizzie Lee (Long) and Edgar Earl Smith on September 8, 1940. She grew up with her younger brother Edgar (Eddie) in a loving home. She attended University of North Carolina and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology. She met her husband John Donahue at a summer job in Maine, they married and settled in Massachusetts. In Massachusetts, she worked several rewarding jobs and she and John raised two daughters, Susan Elaine and Karen Lynn. Bettye retired in 2000 and moved with John to Cape Cod, MA. They lived there for six years before moving to Michigan to be with her daughters, who had relocated there. She loved being part of her three grandchildren’s lives over the years and loved to spend time with family and friends. She also enjoyed gardening, reading, crafts and traveling.

Bettye is preceded in death by her parents; and her cherished granddaughter Sarah L. Witkus. Surviving to carry on her memory is her loving husband John A. Donahue of 54 years; daughters Susan E. Witkus (Michael) and Karen L. Selin (Todd); grandchildren Mitchell T. Selin and Andrew J. Witkus; and brother Edgar E. Smith Jr.; in addition to many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. Bettye’s sweet spirit, giving nature and compassion will be missed greatly by all.

A celebration of Bettye’s life will be held on Sunday, July 15th at 3:00 p.m. at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home of DeWitt, located at 205 E. Washington, Dewitt, MI 48820. The family will receive visitors one hour prior from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Immediately following Bettye’s celebration of life, there will be refreshments and fellowship at the same location.

Bettye asked that in lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in her memory to Great Lakes Caring Hospice Foundation, 900 Cooper Street, Jackson, MI 49202.