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Emma L. Washington McDonald
KEYSER, WV - Emma Louise Washington McDonald, 98, died on Thursday, February 16, 2012 in League City, TX at the home of her daughter, S. Darlene Peaks.
Born December 13, 1913, in Keyser, WV, she was a daughter of the late Clarence H. Washington and Sarah (Rolls) Washington. She was preceded in death by her husband, Carson William McDonald, a son, Reginald Stuart McDonald, a daughter, Flora Elizabeth Bruce (and son-in-law, Milford), a son, Kenneth Matthew McDonald (and daughter-in-law, Ennis) and foster son, Richard Lewis. Also, preceding her in death was her sister, Ira Keys, brothers: Menthol, Carl, Courtney, and Samuel Washington as well as one great-grandson, Caleb Damm and one great-great-grandson, Daethaniel Bruce.
Mrs. McDonald was a homemaker. She was a member of Janes United Methodist Church, Charter member of Washington Smith Post 152 Ladies Auxiliary for more than 68 years and Charter member of Faith Chapter 31 E.O.S.
Emma was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, aunt, cousin and friend. She loved her family and friends dearly. She bragged that as a child, she was a swift runner who could beat most, if not all of the boys in a foot race. She liked to dance, sing, play Bingo, Canasta, Bid Whist and generally enjoy life with all who knew her. She was the matriarch of the Washington, McDonald, Keys, Perry Families. She cheerfully helped those in need and was a caregiver for her elderly parents and others in the family and community. Her sense of humor was legendary. Her quick wit would have you laughing until tears flowed. Her home was a haven of love and friendship. All were welcome under her roof. She loved to tell stories of the “old days” including the hard times of the depression and the woes of segregation. Though not easy, her childhood was one of adventure and joy with her siblings. Her greatest sadness was the loss of her husband and children. Emma was a woman of strong faith, courage and determination. She fought to maintain her independence and lived alone until she was ninety years old. When the onset of failing physical health and the beginnings of dementia began to take their toll, she moved to Texas, where she continued to be source of joy to all she met and she is mourned there as well as at home. While she was in her nineties, two hurricanes chased us from our home, but she managed to be a source of stability and amusement, even then.
In her final weeks of life, she continued to demonstrate and foster inspiration, joy and faith as she faced death with love, dignity, compassion for others and a few funny, back handed comments. She was and is greatly loved. She will truly be missed, but those who know her rejoice in her home-going, for heaven is a richer place with her presence.
She is survived by her daughter, Rochelle Ann Stewart (James) of Keyser, daughter, S. Darlene Peaks (Elmer) of League City, Texas, with whom she lived for the last 8 years; Grandchildren: Kathy Jenkins, Terry Bruce, Debra D’Attoma, David Bruce, John Bruce, Holly McDonald, Mark McDonald, Nicole Peaks, Erin Peaks, James Peaks, Jaimie Stewart; Great grandchildren: Tamika Bruce, Mya Bruce, Tessa Bruce, Robert Bruce, Joshua Baker, Kevin Damm, Rosalind Rohrbaugh, Zoe Peaks, Arielle Veazie, Gianina D’Attoma, Haiden Stewart; and Great, great grandchildren: Alexis Bruce, Anthony Bruce, Arika Bruce and Jayden Bruce.
Friends will be received at the Markwood Funeral Home, Keyser, on Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m. Washington Smith Post 152 Ladies Auxiliary will hold a service on Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at 8 p.m. Funeral services will be conducted in the funeral home on Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 2 p.m. with the Reverend William Linhart officiating. Interment will follow in Thorn Rose Cemetery, Keyser.
Condolences may be sent to the family after Mrs. McDonald’s obituary at www.markwoodfuneralhome.com.
Emma L. Washington McDonald
KEYSER, WV - Emma Louise Washington McDonald, 98, died on Thursday, February 16, 2012 in League City, TX at the home of her daughter, S. Darlene Peaks.
Born December 13, 1913, in Keyser, WV, she was a daughter of the late Clarence H. Washington and Sarah (Rolls) Washington. She was preceded in death by her husband, Carson William McDonald, a son, Reginald Stuart McDonald, a daughter, Flora Elizabeth Bruce (and son-in-law, Milford), a son, Kenneth Matthew McDonald (and daughter-in-law, Ennis) and foster son, Richard Lewis. Also, preceding her in death was her sister, Ira Keys, brothers: Menthol, Carl, Courtney, and Samuel Washington as well as one great-grandson, Caleb Damm and one great-great-grandson, Daethaniel Bruce.
Mrs. McDonald was a homemaker. She was a member of Janes United Methodist Church, Charter member of Washington Smith Post 152 Ladies Auxiliary for more than 68 years and Charter member of Faith Chapter 31 E.O.S.
Emma was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, aunt, cousin and friend. She loved her family and friends dearly. She bragged that as a child, she was a swift runner who could beat most, if not all of the boys in a foot race. She liked to dance, sing, play Bingo, Canasta, Bid Whist and generally enjoy life with all who knew her. She was the matriarch of the Washington, McDonald, Keys, Perry Families. She cheerfully helped those in need and was a caregiver for her elderly parents and others in the family and community. Her sense of humor was legendary. Her quick wit would have you laughing until tears flowed. Her home was a haven of love and friendship. All were welcome under her roof. She loved to tell stories of the “old days” including the hard times of the depression and the woes of segregation. Though not easy, her childhood was one of adventure and joy with her siblings. Her greatest sadness was the loss of her husband and children. Emma was a woman of strong faith, courage and determination. She fought to maintain her independence and lived alone until she was ninety years old. When the onset of failing physical health and the beginnings of dementia began to take their toll, she moved to Texas, where she continued to be source of joy to all she met and she is mourned there as well as at home. While she was in her nineties, two hurricanes chased us from our home, but she managed to be a source of stability and amusement, even then.
In her final weeks of life, she continued to demonstrate and foster inspiration, joy and faith as she faced death with love, dignity, compassion for others and a few funny, back handed comments. She was and is greatly loved. She will truly be missed, but those who know her rejoice in her home-going, for heaven is a richer place with her presence.
She is survived by her daughter, Rochelle Ann Stewart (James) of Keyser, daughter, S. Darlene Peaks (Elmer) of League City, Texas, with whom she lived for the last 8 years; Grandchildren: Kathy Jenkins, Terry Bruce, Debra D’Attoma, David Bruce, John Bruce, Holly McDonald, Mark McDonald, Nicole Peaks, Erin Peaks, James Peaks, Jaimie Stewart; Great grandchildren: Tamika Bruce, Mya Bruce, Tessa Bruce, Robert Bruce, Joshua Baker, Kevin Damm, Rosalind Rohrbaugh, Zoe Peaks, Arielle Veazie, Gianina D’Attoma, Haiden Stewart; and Great, great grandchildren: Alexis Bruce, Anthony Bruce, Arika Bruce and Jayden Bruce.
Friends will be received at the Markwood Funeral Home, Keyser, on Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m. Washington Smith Post 152 Ladies Auxiliary will hold a service on Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at 8 p.m. Funeral services will be conducted in the funeral home on Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 2 p.m. with the Reverend William Linhart officiating. Interment will follow in Thorn Rose Cemetery, Keyser.
Condolences may be sent to the family after Mrs. McDonald’s obituary at www.markwoodfuneralhome.com.
