OBITUARY: Emma Louise Coggeshall Donald
Emma Louise “Emmy Lou” Coggeshall Donald passed away Sunday, August 27, 2023 at the McLeod Hospice House in Florence. A Memorial Service will be held Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at 11am at St. Matthews Church, Darlington, SC, directed by Belk Funeral Home. Born October 27, 1927, in Darlington, she was the daughter of Marion Lide “Trick” Coggeshall and Jessie Keith St. Clair Williamson Coggeshall.
Mrs. Donald graduated from St. John’s High School. After high school she attended Richmond Professional Institute (now Virginia Commonwealth University) and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree. She was the first public school art teacher in Darlington County and she developed the first art curriculum for the Darlington Area Schools.
In 1955, Mrs. Donald moved to New York City where she worked as a commercial artist with The Hanley Studio for Graphic Art and Radio Advertising. At the same time she studied at the New York School of Visual Art. On October 25, 1958, she married Dr. Alexander Grant Donald, another Pee Dee Native, at Oaklyn Plantation in Darlington.
While growing up in Darlington, Mrs. Donald was an enthusiastic member of St. Matthews Episcopal Church where she taught Sundy School and was once an advisor to the Young People’s Service League. After she was married and living for a while in Darlington, she became a devoted member of Over the Teacups Club. Mrs. Donald loved vacationing with her family at Pawley’s Island and playing Rummy with family and friends. Painting with watercolors brought her special joy. Her sunny personality, delightful smile, and quick wit made her a favorite wherever she went.
Mrs. Donald is survived by her son Alexander Grant Donald, Jr. of Westerville, Ohio, her daughter Mary Chesnut Donald Pitman of Norfolk, Virginia, her son Marion Lide Coggeshall “Buzz” Donald of Charlotte, North Carolina, four grandchildren: Alexander Henry and Marion Thompson Donald, Margaret Louise and Harrison Grant Pitman, her sister Marion Coggeshall Huggins and a niece, Jessie Williamson Rogers Whitaker.
She was predeceased by her parents, her husband, an infant son Raymond George Donald, and her sister Jessie Williamson Coggeshall Rogers.
The family would like to truly thank all those at the Hospice House for the wonderful comforting care they gave our Mother while she was there. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the McLeod Hospice House would be greatly appreciated.
Memorials may be made to the McLeod Hospice House, c/o The McLeod Foundation, PO Box 100551, Florence, SC 29501-0551 or www.mcleodfoundation.org
