She was born on December 24, 1933, in New Burnside, IL, the daughter of Herbert and Cora Lee (Whittenberg) Taylor. She grew up in Marion, IL, where she met Jack McDonald. They were married on December 22, 1951.
Afton graduated from Marion High School. She worked at Springfield School District 186 as a secretary, retiring after 23 years. Afton worked for seven years at Webster School, and 16 years at McFarland Mental Health Center’s special education program for adolescents. Her life was her family and grandchildren. Afton loved nature and animals – especially her dogs. One of her favorite pastimes was bass fishing in the summertime at the lake.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and sister, Barbara Colson.
Surviving are her husband, Jack McDonald of Springfield; sons, Ron (Melinda) McDonald of Rochester and Doug (Debbie) McDonald of Morton; daughters, Susan (Dean) Prokos of Glenarm and Courtney (Brian) Sullivan of Rochester; grandchildren, Taylor, Cameron, and Evan Prokos, Cole and Jacey McDonald, Emily Ebert, Chelsea Strasser, and Lachlan and Aislyn Sullivan; and six great-grandchildren.
Visitation and Funeral Ceremony: Family will receive friends from 10:00 to 10:45 am on Monday, March 11, 2024, at Butler Funeral Home – Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. A Ceremony will follow at 11:00 am. Burial will take place at Oak Ridge Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Animal Protective League.