Susan Marie McDonald, 71, departed this life and began her heavenly life on Sunday, September 8, 2019, in Fort Smith. She bravely fought cancer for five years with her husband of 48 years, Cleve McDonald, by her side.
She was a longtime member of, and organist at, Grand Avenue Baptist Church. She was a member of Alma High School Class of 1966. She graduated from Arkansas Tech University in 1970 with a Business Education degree and later earned a Medical Laboratory Technician degree from Westark Community College. She has worked as a high school business education teacher and a medical laboratory technician.
Susan loved to laugh, read murder mystery novels, watch Hallmark movies with her granddaughter, spend time with family and friends, grow her beautiful roses, and listen to music. She was also a talented organist and pianist. She was a member and past President of the St. Edwards Mercy Hospital Auxiliary, the American Guild of Organists, and a member of the Ya Ya Optimist Club.
Susan was born in Mulberry, Arkansas, on March 20, 1948, to Dempsey and Bettie Butler, of Alma. Her parents and many aunts and uncles preceded her in death.
She is survived by her husband, Cleve; a daughter, Amanda Bossie and husband Andrew of Kingston, NH; a son, Joel McDonald; daughter-in-law, Melanie Billing; and granddaughter, Kiera Billing, of Bentonville; two sisters, Brenda Martin of Fort Smith and Tammy Lea Jones of Alma; one brother, Dennis Butler of Fort Smith; supportive sisters-in-law, Sue Jacobson and husband Norm of Roseville, MN; and Janice Carlile, of Greenwood; special caregiver and niece, Kristen Martin of Fort Smith; and other loving nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Thursday at 10:30 am at Grand Avenue Baptist Church in Fort Smith, under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 5-7 pm Wednesday at Edwards Funeral Home.
Honorary pallbearers are Jim Ford, Lyle Jacobson, Gary Lyles, Brett Martin, Keith Sanders, Jim Shannon and Phillip Wylie.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Girls’ Shelter of Fort Smith or the Reynolds Cancer Support House in Fort Smith. Online condolences may be made at www.edwardsfuneralhome.com
