Blonza Mae Young

Blonza Mae Donaldson Young was born on January 26, 1936 in Wakulla County, Florida. She was the oldest of seven children born to her proud parents, James Scott and Ollie Mae Donaldson. Blonza’s name was always a source of conversation because it was so unique, and as God would have it, during her travels she came across one other person who shared the same name: while she was working, one of her customers saw her name badge and was overcome with joy when he realized that she had the same name as his mother. As it turned out, not only did Blonza share his mother’s name, but they found out they both were from Wakulla County, FL. Blonza went on to tell the gentleman that her mother met a lady whose name was “Blonza” and she liked the name so much because it was similar to her sister’s name “Alonza.” Blonza’s family moved from Wakulla County, FL when she was about 10 years old. She lived with her grandmother whom she loved affectionately before joining her family in Orlando, FL. She graduated from the great Jones High School, Class of 1955 where she was voted Miss Yearbook and Miss Campus Beauty by her peers in her senior year. Soon after graduation, Blonza married her soul-mate, Walter Lewis Young, on May 8, 1955 and to this union was born one son, Gregory (deceased) and four daughters, Angela, Lisa, Jacqueline, and Robin (deceased). Walter was a career military man for 28 years and every step of the way Blonza was right by his side, traveling the world with their family in tow. She and Walter were married 53 years before his passing in 2008. When the kids got older she worked outside the home as a Customer Service Supervisor with the Navy Exchange for approximately 17 years, and earned the distinction of “Emplovee of the Month” on several occasions. Her customers always gave her accolades for her excellent interpersonal and customer service skills. Even after Blonza retired, management asked if she would reconsider coming back. Customers loved interacting with Blonza and always made a point to come in to give her an update not only on their lives but to see how she was doing. After retirement Blonza spent the majority of her time doing what she loved to do, working in her garden, traveling, and shopping. Besides the love she had for her family, she was most happy when she was in the garden and reminiscing about her early days in the country with her grandmother. Blonza was a faithful member of St. John Missionary Baptist Church for over 35+ years and a dedicated member of the Usher Board Ministry. She was a true woman of God who embodied the Fruit of The Spirit (i.e., love, joy, peace, kindness, patience, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control). Through all the trials of life, she endured each of them with humility. She had a great sense of humor, a quiet spirit, and loved to encourage others. No matter who she spoke to, they always left her presence feeling a little better about having crossed her path. Blonza was as sweet as sweet could be, but strong at the same time. Her temperament was always the same, and she was always ready to listen, give words of encouragement, and spread joy whenever she entered a room. She was a source of strength, love, and inspiration for many, especially during times of despair. Whether she was battling medical issues, or experiencing the deep grief of losing a loved one, she always leaned on her faith, and trusted God. Blonza embodied agape love. Her love was patient and kind and did not envy or boast. She was never arrogant or rude. Nor did she ever insist on her own way. She was not irritable or resentful even when there were times she could have been. Instead, her love rejoiced in The Truth. 1 Corinthian 13:7 says “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.” That was truly what Blonza was all about. She was not only a hearer of The Word, but a doer of The Word indeed. Blonza Mae was preceded in death by her husband – Walter; son – Gregory; youngest daughter – Robin Lynn; father – James Scott Donaldson; mother – Ollie Mae Donaldson; sister – Lee Esther Price; father-in-law – John T. Young; mother-in-law – Bertha Gordon Young; brothers-in-law – Thomas Hamm, Willie Marshall Young, John Richard Young, Milton Young, Edward Young, Frank Spivey, Cyrus Hill, Lawrence Stevenson, and Richard Price; sisters-in-law – Mamie Hill and Mollie Williams. She leaves to cherish many loving memories to be cherished by: daughters – Angela Young, Lisa Young, and Jacqueline Young, all of Orlando, FL; brothers – James “Buddy” Donaldson of Orlando and Elmer Donaldson of Columbus, GA; sisters – Mary Stevenson of Orlando, FL, Annie Bell Hamm of Cantonment, FL, Debbie Sue (Stanley) Miller of Atlanta, GA; 8 grandchildren – Camelia Young of Orlando, FL, Michelle (Brad) Garrett of Columbia, SC, Jennifer Houston, Crystal Young, Felisia Paul all of Orlando, FL, Nicole Houston of New York, NY, Alice Asare-Konadu, and Rosheda Smith of Orlando, FL; 16 great grandchildren – Keyon Ladson of Honolulu, HI, Alissa Daley, Jada Thomas of Orlando, FL, Michael Cyrus, Bradley Garrett, Veronica Garrett all of Columbia, SC, Tesia Diaz of Orlando, FL, Lynnette Diaz of San Antonio, TX, Kiviah Mathis, Lyric Tomlin, Mailo Tomlin, Jeremiah McWilson, Hadrian Hollingsworth, Malakhai Barr all of Orlando, FL, Xavier Ortiz of San Antonio, TX, Kalani Thornton of Orlando, FL; 2 great great grandchildren – McKenzie Ladson of Orlando, FL, and Ahmiya Neal of Honolulu, HI; sisters-in-law – Thelma Denson of Orlando, FL, Eula Spivey of Chicago, IL, Pauline Young of Bridgeport, CT; brothers-in-law – Prince Young of Titusville, FL, Dennis (Gladys) Young of Orlando, FL; and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and many other relatives and friends.

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Blonza Mae Young

January 26, 1936 - October 25, 2023