Lorna Donaldson

Lorna Donaldson, 72, of Rossville, Tennessee, formerly of Tiptonville, Tennessee, died on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at The Baptist Reynolds Hospice House in Collierville, TN. She was a retired farmer, business owner, environmentalist, and historic preservationist. She was a member of Unity Church of Cordova, Tennessee.

Cremation services are under the direction of Bowlin Funeral Home. A celebration of life/visitation service will be held on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at Ellington Hall, Reelfoot Lake, Tiptonville, TN, from 11:00am to 1:00pm. Friends are invited to come and share memories of Lorna with family and friends during this time of celebration.

Born Sunday, August 17, 1952, in Miami, Florida, she was the daughter of the late Robert Cleveland Donaldson, Jr. and the late Wanda Brewer Donaldson. In addition to her parents, she was proceeded in death by her daughter, Catherine Hazen McMahon.

She is survived by her sister Ann Donaldson Morton of Tiptonville, TN, her daughter Amy Donaldson Hart (Robert Hart) of Rossville, TN, her son Robert Christopher Donaldson (Joanna Donaldson) of Newbern, TN. In addition to her sister and children, she is survived by her grandchildren Annabelle Baltezor Keeling, Karley Jo Donaldson, Hannah Grace Flatt, Jasper Blaze Flatt, Noah Harris Donaldson, and great-grandchildren Carter Keeling, and Charlie Mae Keeling.

In the mid-1980s she moved back to Lake County, TN and took over the family farm after her father passed away. During that time, she converted the farm to organic farm production and was one of the first certified organic farmers in the country. All three of her children worked on the farm at some stage and she left them with an appreciation for hard work and a passion for entrepreneurship that they carry with them to this day. She also co-owned and operated a construction company, restaurant, and nursery.

She helped develop the certification program for organic farmers in Tennessee before USDA certification existed. As a young woman farmer, Lorna was a pioneer in her field. She quickly became a leader in the industry and went on to serve on boards for the Rodale Institute and Beyond Pesticides, among others. She was involved with Farm Aid and was an inspiration to her many friends. As a mentor to other small farmers, she has left a legacy for generations to come.

Link to memorial service address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/e4ZjahKgSZNXT6Pk6