Obituary of Zelia Mae Donald

ROCHESTER, NY – April 22, 2026

Zelia Mae Donald was born on October 24, 1932, to Mr. Alfred Guillory and Mrs. Marjorie Lartigue Guillory in Mamou, Louisiana. As the eldest of six children, she embraced family responsibilities from an early age. During her childhood, she actively participated in her local 4-H youth development program, proudly showing her pet pig at competitions. Her pig earned awards, and she took great pride in caring for it. She also enjoyed playing basketball with her school friends and sisters. She graduated from high school in Mamou, Louisiana.

From a young age, she stood beside her mother, who ran the family bar and restaurant, and in that kitchen she became an exceptional cook. Among the patrons she served was Huey W. Donald, who would go on to be her husband of seventy-eight years.

Zelia and Huey married on December 12, 1948, in Ville Platte, Louisiana. In 1952, they moved to Rochester, New York, to pursue new opportunities. Shortly after, Huey served in the U.S. Army and, upon his return, secured a job at Eastman Kodak.

As a housewife, she created a warm, welcoming home where family and friends felt comfortable and loved. She enjoyed gardening, entertaining, and preparing meals that filled the house with the delicious aromas of gumbo, seafood dishes, chocolate chip cookies, and many other family favorites. She also loved listening to blues, soul, and gospel music.

She leaves behind her devoted husband, Huey W. Donald; her son, Robert R. Donald; her daughter, Roberta R. Lechner (Douglas); and a host of loving nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Marjorie Guillory, and her siblings, Wilford Guillory, Maxie Guillory-Neal, Atelia Guillory, and Diana Jean Guillory-Carrier.

Though she is no longer with us physically, she lives on through the lessons she taught, the love she shared, and the memories she created. We will always cherish her guidance, and the love she brought into our lives.

Family and friends may call Friday, May 15 from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, 141 Adams Street, Rochester, NY. The Funeral Service to Celebrate her life will immediately follow at 12:00 Noon.