Thomas McDonald

“OUR DAYS ON EARTH ARE LIKE THE GRASS; LIKE WILD FLOWERS, WE BLOOM AND DIE. THE WIND BLOWS, AND WE ARE GONE-AS THOUGH WE HAD NEVER BEEN THERE.”-Psalm 103: 15-16. 

Thomas McDonald, better known as "Chester" and "Tom," was born August 28, 1938 to the late Willis Sr. and Bernice (nee Evans) McDonald.  he was the youngest of seven children.  He departed this life July 1, 2023.  He is preceded in death by three brothers:  Willis, Jr., Rudolph, and Marvin.

Tom grew up in Sunday School and church at Center Ridge Baptist Church in Shubuta, MS.  He graduated eighth grade at Cokes Chapel Elementary School in Shubuta, MS.  He graduated from Shirley Owens Vocational High School in Quitman, MS.  After graduation, Tom relocated to Chicago and was employed at General Electric/Hotpoint, where he remained until retirement.

On August 1, 1992, Tom married the love of his life, Ms. Jeanie "Rann" Smith.  After moving back to Shubuta, Tom joined New Mt. Zion UMC and Choir.  He was also a faithful member of the Democratic Executive Committee and Dollar Meal Missions.

Tom leaves to cherish his sweet memories:  his wife, Jeanie Smith McDonald; a daughter:  Linda Johnson (Al) Corbett of Miami, FL; a stepson:  Cornelius Bernard Smith of Rio Rancho, NM; two brothers:  Eddie (Dorothy) McDonald and Curtis (Vera) McDonald, and a sister:  Marjorie McDonald Grohs, and a  mother in law:  Velma Husband, all of Shubuta, MS. Also left to mourn his passing are five grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, seven great great grandchildren, a special nephew, Willis "Sputty" McDonald, III, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, friends, and neighbors.  Tom was truly loved by everyone and will be greatly missed.

Funeral services will take place Monday, July 10, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Turner Funeral Home chapel, with Rev. Donald Sterling officiating. Interment will follow at Davenport Cemetery in Shubuta, MS. 

There will be a viewing period for Mr. McDonald Monday morning, July 10, 2023, from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM at Turner Funeral Home. 

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