Barbara Hatcher McDonald

Barbara Hatcher McDonald died peacefully at home on March 15, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on January 14, 1934, in Wilmington, North Carolina, to the late Ruby Everett Hatcher and William Carl Hatcher.

Barbara graduated from New Hanover High School in 1952. She loved cheerleading, the Dramatics Club, the French Club and the Latin Club. She was also a member of the National Honor Society, May Court and in 1950, was selected as the Azalea Princess. A gifted student, Barbara was the recipient of the Angier B. Duke scholarship at Duke University, majoring in education and graduating in 1956. She returned to Wilmington that year and taught 8th grade at Chestnut Junior High. The following year she married James Gregory Poole, Jr., and moved to Raleigh to start a family. Barbara was a people person and was active in many local activities, eventually becoming President of the Junior League of Raleigh in 1974-1975.

In 1983 she met and married Marshall McDonald and moved to Palm Beach, Florida, where she lived until his death in 1997. Marshall’s job took them on many overseas trips which she greatly enjoyed, and they also traveled frequently to visit extended family members who were scattered around the United States. While in Florida, Barbara was involved with the Good Samaritan Hospital in West Palm Beach and the Four Arts Society in Palm Beach. She was also a member of the PEO Club, and in true Palm Beach fashion, a member of the Sewing Club that did not sew, and the Book Club which did not read. To escape the Florida heat, Barbara and Marshall spent their summers in Cashiers, NC, where they were members of the Cedar Creek Raquet Club. They loved the mountainous environment of cooler temperatures and laid-back atmosphere. They also enjoyed playing tennis, dining with friends, playing bridge, hosting family, and occasionally catching trout in a nearby lake.

Upon moving back to Raleigh, Barbara enjoyed being a member of the Monday Literary Luncheon Society Club (they did read), playing bridge, attending the symphony and the ballet, eating out, and spending time with her lady friends and her family. She especially enjoyed Sunday night suppers. She loved cheeseburgers, pepperoni pizza, the color pink, peppermint ice cream, and “Pink Panther” movies. Barbara also enjoyed the company of her grand dog, “Flea,” and could often be seen driving him to McDonald’s in the morning for breakfast or generally around town.

Barbara, also known as “Bobboo,” (thanks to her little sister not being able to say Barbara), was smart, funny, loving, and beautiful. She instilled in her children the importance of “putting oneself in the other person’s shoes.” She loved animals, particularly dogs, and often brought home strays of different breeds. As funny and easy-going as Barbara was, she will always be remembered as a lady. Her legacy of compassion, integrity, strength, gentleness and sweetness will continue to live on through those who knew and loved her. Anyone and everyone who ever met Barbara said the same thing, “I love your mom.” We loved her, too, and we will miss her immensely.

Barbara is survived by her four children; James Gregory Poole, III (Emily); Barbara Alyson Poole, William Kenan Poole (Stephanie) and Edward Ashton Poole (Fran). Eight grandchildren: James Gregory Poole, IV (Alexis), Sarah Lane Poole, and John Braxton Poole; Caroline Claire Poole, William Kenan Poole II, and Richard Harrison Poole; Edward Ashton Poole, Jr. and Vaughan Poole Lee (Pierce). She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Joe Capell (Mararuth) of Kure Beach, NC, niece Julie Capell Blackburn (Barry) of Wilmington, NC, and their children Anna, John and Jenna, as well as Bennett and Bryce Blackmon, children of her late niece Lisa Capell Blackmon. Barbara was also predeceased by her sister, Sheryl Hatcher Capell.

The McDonald children and grandchildren were also an important part of Barbara’s life. She is survived by Marshall McDonald III (Mary Ellen) of Wellington, FL, and their children Margaret Harris McDonald and Marshall McDonald IV (Cailey); Davis McDonald (Mary Ann) of Greensboro, NC, and their children Amanda Elizabeth Meyer (Matthew), Rebecca Anne Morris (Jefferson), and Anna Meredith McDonald (Diana); and James Dillard McDonald of Charlottesville, VA.

The family would like to recognize and thank Christine Oyoo, Barbara’s primary caregiver for the past 10 years. Christine has been not only Barbara’s caretaker, but also her dearest friend, companion, and partner in crime. She is loved by all of us as if she were our own and part of the family. We also give thanks and appreciation to caregivers Monica Mwangi and Beth Maina, who Barbara also loved dearly, and they loved her back. Special recognition also goes to Sarah Bradsher, whose long and meaningful friendship as well as professional skills have been invaluable to Barbara over the years. Lastly, the family would like to acknowledge the expert medical care of Dr. Robert Smithson, and the compassionate guidance and support received from Transitions LifeCare.

The family will receive friends on March 20, 2025, from 4-6 pm at 100 Reynolds Road, Raleigh, NC. Funeral services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Barbara’s life are requested to be made to the Wake County SPCA (200 Petfinder Ln, Raleigh, NC 27603) or Saving Grace (P.O. Box 1649, Wake Forest, NC 27588).

Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's St, Raleigh is serving the McDonald family.