Harriett Smith McDonald

Mrs. Harriett Smith McDonald of Raeford, died Saturday, June 11, 2016 at the age of 73. Mrs. McDonald was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. Marcus Raynor Smith and Emily Mellon Smith, her son, Neill A. (Mackie) McDonald, IV, and her brother Mark Smith. Harriett was a member of Antioch Presbyterian Church, where she served as both a Deacon and Elder, Sunday School teacher, Choir member accompanist and circle member. In 2012, Harriett was given the Womens Lifetime Membership Award on behalf of the Women of the Church at Antioch Presbyterian Church. Harriett graduated from Methodist University with a Bachelors degree in English. She earned her Masters degree in English at the University of Pembroke. Additionally Harriett earned another Masters degree from Carolina College of Biblical Studies in Theology. On May 10, 1975 Harriett married Neill A. McDonald, III. Neill graciously adopted Mary Emily the same year. On June 23, 1977, Neill and Harriett welcomed Neill Angus McDonald, IV, "Mackie". Harriet taught for many years in the Hoke County School System. In 1998, Harriett began teaching at Pinecrest High School in Moore County, where she taught until taking early retirement in 1988, to care for Mackie before his death, in November of 2000. While teaching at Pinecrest, Harriett received both the Outstanding Language Arts Award from Moore County Schools and the Governors Award for Excellence in teaching Language Arts at Pinecrest High School in 1991. After Mackies death, Harriett began to be even more active in her love of biblical studies and church service. Harriett taught many Bible studies at different churches and her home. She was a very active member at Antioch Presbyterian Church right up to the time of her death, spending hours recording the history of Antioch Church on computer files from the actual hard copy of church records. Throughout her life, Harriett enjoyed traveling. She visited numerous foreign countries and sailed on 19 cruises with Phil Coulters "Tranquility" Cruise. Harriett took many trips to Europe with her students while teaching. She led several trips to Israel with both the Raeford Presbyterian Church and Antioch Presbyterian Church, and other traveling excursions. The family would like to thank Antioch Presbyterian Church, the employees and staff of Raeford Oil Company, Inc., and special friend Ms. Betty Blue , who was Harrietts " sidekick" for the last 16 years, numerous friends, former students, and any and all who Harriett knew and loved, which spans the globe worldwide. She is survived by her husband, Neill A. McDonald, III and her daughter, Mary Emily McDonald both of Raeford, sister in-law Melinda Smith of Pinehurst, and 2 nieces, Kimberly Smith Gardener (Keith) and Elizabeth Smith Moynahan (Will) , and much beloved pet Fiona McDonald. A visitation will be held Monday, June 13, 2016 between the hours of 6-8pm at the family home, 604 Fulton Ave. Raeford. The family will also receive friends at any other times you would like to come by. A graveside funeral service will be held 11am Tuesday, June 14, 2016 at Raeford Cemetery, with the Reverend Dr. David Hudson and Reverend Michael McGehee officiating. Memorials may be made to Antioch Presbyterian Church 6583 Red Springs Rd., Red Springs, NC 28377.