Rebecca Ann Donaldson

Rebecca Ann Donaldson, age 71, passed away peacefully at home in the presence of her family on June 6, 2025. A loving mother, devoted grandmother, generous friend, and fierce nurturer, Rebecca’s life was defined by tremendous strength, love and compassion.

Born on May 4, 1954, in Fort Knox Kentucky, Rebecca (Becky) was the youngest of three children. She quickly discovered her talent as a keyboardist and was the musical prodigy of the family. Adopting the stage name Dana Rodgers, she traveled the world performing with a wide variety of musicians including local talent and national celebrities. Her keyboarding technique combined with her incredible bluesy vocals created a mesmerizing sound that captivated audiences across the world and inspired others to become musicians including her children and several grandchildren.

Becky worked as an ophthalmic technician for the VA Hospital in Augusta, GA. Her patients and colleagues admired her professionalism and exemplary skillset which ensured that every veteran she examined had optimal success with their visual needs. Her intervention helped improve the quality of life for numerous people. In-so-much that patients would go out of their way to visit her office and thank her. Additionally, her visual fields have been published as examples of exemplary work for future generations to study.

At home, she was a dedicated spouse and mother. She proudly supported her husband, Dave Donaldson’s military career as the family traveled from one duty station to another. While raising four children, she enjoyed gardening, painting, and every opportunity to play music. Life after the military was much the same and created a lifetime of memories and friendships. She was a strong woman, determined to survive, and who loved with all her might. She will be missed greatly.

She is survived by her daughters Dana Jackson (Henry) and Katie Brigham (Jason), and son David Donaldson; grandchildren Megan Simonsen (Tony), Mathew Jackson (Kristy), Caitlin Whitt, Myles Tubbs, Zanna Tubs, Samuel Brigham, Caroline Brigham; great-grandchildren Gunnar Simonsen, Grayson Cruz, Avalyn Jackson, and Memphis Jackson: along with several cherished nieces, nephews, and close family members. She is preceded in death by husband Dave Donaldson, daughter Kelly Tubbs (Andrew), parents Walter and Beulah Rodgers, brother Herman Rodgers (Ruth), and sister Sue Gunn (Clyde).

Her memorial service will be held at FairHaven Funeral Home 3507 Wrightsboro Road, Augusta 30909 on Monday June 23, 2025 at 2:15. A reception will follow at her last residence where friends and family can gather to remanence and play music together. If possible, please wear a pop of emerald-green, her favorite color.

Flowers will be received at the funeral home on the day of her memorial. For those wishing to donate to Blind Rehabilitation Services, you may donate by check or CashApp ($groovyone). Write for the VA Augusta Health Care System in memory of Rebecca Donaldson on the memo line.