For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course. I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:6~7
On January 13, 2010, the angel of mercy made a visit and a precious soul left to be with the Lord.
John Lewis McDonald was born on October 18, 1946 in Bamberg, South Carolina to the late Manny and Ruth McDonald. He was affectionately known as “Cakee”.
At an early age, John joined Mt. Carmel Methodist Church. He received his former education in the public schools of Bamberg County and graduated from Richard Carroll High School in Bamberg, South Carolina.
In the mid 1960’s he migrated from South Carolina to New York. On April 25, 1969, John was united in Holy Matrimony to Norma Bonner. From this union two sons were born, Patrick O’Neal and Christopher Matthew.
He began his employment with the City of New York as a Mortuary Caretaker working in Bellevue Hospital, later transferring to Cumberland Hospital. He worked for over 25 years with the New York City Department of Sanitation from which he retired in 1996. He spent his retirement years enjoying his family and friends. His greatest love was spending time with is grandchildren whom he loved dearly.
John was a faithful and dedicated member of Brownsville Community Baptist Church for many years. He served on the Deacon Board, Trustee Board, Brotherhood of Christ, the Male Chorus and the New Members Ministry. He attended and graduated from the Bible Institute. John also volunteered with the Food Pantry Program and bowled with BCBC Bowling League. He loved his church and his pastor.
To know him was to love him, for he always had a pleasant smile and a cheery greeting for everyone he met. He had a great and unique sense of humor that kept family and friends laughing at any family gathering.
John had two brothers and two sisters that preceded him in death to be with the Lord; James Andrew McDonald, Edward McDonald, Margie McDonald and Lillie McDonald.
He leaves to cherish, remember and celebrate his life; a loving and devoted wife Norma; two sons, Patrick and Christopher; four grandchildren, Patrick Jr., Ariel, Sabrea and Dante. Two sisters, Everleen Byrd (Conrad) of Jamaica, New York and Mattie Funderberg of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; five sisters-in-law; Doris McDonald and Paulette McDonald of Bamberg, South Carolina; Liz Conceicao (Francis) of Bossier City, Louisiana; Inez Brown (Wyatt); Joanne Bonner; one brother-in-law; Johnnie Bonner (Lena); one aunt, Deanna Johnson all of Augusta, Georgia; daughter-in-law Nalekia; one goddaughter, Ashleigh Faith Donawa; one godson Daniel Tyler; special friends; Sam and Clara Joyner; Connie Cornelius; Gloria Allsop; Sally Hook; Frances and Johnnie Fleming and a host, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.