Mary Jane Keene Doner

Mary Jane Keene Doner, age 64, of Valdosta, Georgia, passed away on June 10, 2020 joining her beloved mother, father, and brother in glory. Mary Jane (fondly referred to as “MJ” by close friends and colleagues) was born on June 22, 1955 in Valdosta, to Charles H. Keene and Margaret Doerr Keene. Her early years were spent at St. John’s Catholic School. She happily devoted much of her time to St. John’s over the course of her life and could often be found there fellowshipping and serving on the school board, as a Eucharist minister, and as a member of the parish life committee.
MJ graduated from Valdosta High School in 1973 where she participated in Distributive Education working for Duke’s Photography and saving up to buy her first car, a yellow VW bug which resided in her garage to this day. She remained a Wildcat football fan after graduation and, with few exceptions, could be found in the stands at almost every home game. Those close to her (in life and in the stadium) remember her vivacious spirit and love for her hometown.
Mary Jane attended Valdosta State College (now University) where she joined in campus activities, Zeta Tau Alpha (ZTA) Sorority, and forged many lifelong relationships. She was a fixture at Valdosta State (VSU), first working as a student in the biology department and continuing post-graduation. Despite not having biological children, she acted as a surrogate mother to so many at VSU and in the community. Aside from helping her ZTA sisters (you know who you are!) type term papers, she assisted many students with medical school admissions, wrote countless letter of recommendation, and always went above and beyond to ensure each student she encountered was given the best opportunity to further their education or career. She worked in several departments at VSU, including International Programs and Student Affairs. She won the Staff Excellence Award. Mary Jane returned to VSU to work in Event Services after her retirement.
It was at VSU where she met her husband, Scott Doner. She delighted in every aspect of their courtship and, according to her goddaughter who worked with her at the time, was always thrilled by the bouquets Scott sent whenever he was traveling for work. They married November 6, 2004 and were inseparable, spending much of their time in recent years traveling. Scott and MJ could often be seen at the local YMCA, and her presence there will be missed by the friends she encountered, and encouraged, during their workouts. Her spirit and genuine personality were truly one of a kind.
Mary Jane is survived by her loving and devoted husband Scott, her stepson Robert and his wife Julie Doner of Valdosta, stepgrandchildren, Isaac Doner and Anna Beth Doner; parents in law, Tom and Jay Doner of Canton, sister in law and brother in law, Kim and John Dicus of Canton, step sisters in law and step brothers in law, Amy and Craig Leathers of Atlanta, Sharon and Richard Simons of Atlanta, Laura Blom of San Francisco, Andrea Edwards of Chamblee, goddaughters, Casey Colson and Haley McDonald of Valdosta. She was preceded in death by her parents Charles H. Keene and Margaret Doerr Keene, her brother, Chuck Keene and uncle, Larry Doerr.
A celebration of her life, which she lived with great enthusiasm and compassion, will be held on Monday, June 15, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John The Evangelist Catholic Church. Visitation will be prior to the service on Monday from 9:45 a.m. until 10:30, followed by a vigil service from 10:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Father Brian LaBurt will officiate. Interment will follow at McLane Riverview Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. John The Evangelist Catholic Church. Condolences may be shared online at www.mclanecares.com.