Donna W. Gaston

Donna Jean Watkins Gaston passed away on January 24, 2018, in Homewood, Alabama. She was born June 16, 1957, to Mary Lou "Ludie" Bullock and Francis Fletcher Watkins. She is predeceased by her father, her mother, her stepfather, James "Bus" Spencer, her sister Brenda Watkins Edwards, and her brother David Fletcher Watkins. She is survived by her husband, Charles Ware Gaston, and their daughter, Mary Frances Gaston, both of Homewood, and also by many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Donna grew up in Bluff Park and was a 1975 graduate of Berry High School. She was a 1979 graduate of Auburn University where she was a member of the Chi Omega sorority, serving as Social chair. Donna was a leader on campus as well, being elected a student government Senator from the College of Business. Donna was a Little Sister in Sigma Nu, the fraternity of her brother David, where she also made life-long friends. Following a successful career in pharmaceutical and biotech sales and marketing, Donna set out to fulfill her calling of wife and mother. She and Charles Ware Gaston of Sylacauga were married October 24, 1998, and Donna relished the role of wife and soon that of mother. Donna served the Cathedral Church of the Advent in many capacities, but perhaps most notably as a Prayer Intercessor at Advent House. Visitation will be Monday, January 29, at 10:15 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 11:00, both at Cathedral Church of the Advent, 2017 6th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203, under the direction of Ridout's Valley Chapel in Homewood, Alabama, 205-879-3401. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to: Cathedral Church of the Advent 2017 6th Avenue North Birmingham, AL 35203 or UAB Depression and Suicide Program Support Fund 1720 2nd Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35294-0122