Wanda M. McDonald heard the ringing of the golden bells right before midnight on Monday, March 16, 2009, one week before her 96th birthday. She was born on Easter, March 23, 1913 at home in Hartford, Arkansas to Leonard L. Milhoan and Laura Cook Milhoan. Three sisters died prior to her birth. Her husband, Rev. Ed F. McDonald, Jr., and daughter-in-law, Pat S. McDonald, also preceded her in death.
Survivors include: a son, Ed F. McDonald, III; a daughter, Marty Davis; granddaughters, Judy Coleman and Jill (Brett) Wait; grandsons, Stephen (Sandy) McDonald and Martin (Ashlan) Davis; great grandsons, Will and Clay McDonald, and RJ Coleman, as well as many friends and relatives.
She taught English and public school music in several Arkansas communities. She was supportive of her husband’s ministry with churches in Kentucky and Arkansas (Hamburg, Dermott, Morrilton, Newport, and Texarkana) along with his service as Secretary of the Arkansas Baptist Foundation of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention. For several years she taught private piano lessons in North Little Rock. She was a member of Park Hill Baptist Church, Prudence Hall DAR, and a North Little Rock Garden Club. Her activities included serving as a Volunteer at Baptist Health Medical Center, North Little Rock, teaching several age groups in Sunday School, sewing, collecting cook books, and doing genealogy research. She and close friend, Martha Todd Sparks, enjoyed traveling on several group tours across the country.
She was gentle in spirit and known for encouraging others while expressing gratitude for assistance. The family is grateful for the kind attention and care provided by the staff at Robinson Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
Rev. Luke Flesher will conduct the funeral service 11 am Friday, March 20, 2009 at Park Hill Baptist Church, North Little Rock, with burial at Lost Creek Cemetery, Sheridan at 1:30 pm. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 pm, Thursday, March 19, 2009 at North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St., 758-1170. Memorials may be made to Park Hill Baptist Church, 201 East C Street, North Little Rock, AR 72116 or to a favorite charity. Online obituary and guest register at www.nlrfh.com.
Obituary submitted by Katherine Webb.