Betty J McDonald

Betty was a Life Member of the Florida Professional Photographers and with her husband and son ran McDonald Studio in Winter Haven. For her dedication to the photographic industry, she received numerous awards. She earned the Florida Degree of Excellence, the Florida Service Award, the Florida Education Degree and was awarded the Florida Memorial Service Award and the Professional Photographers of America National Award.

In addition to photography, Betty taught dog obedience for many years and enjoyed antiquing, sewing, playing her piano, Sanibel Island, Russell Stover chocolate and a good margarita. As a young adult she played both the piano and organ for the First Baptist Church of Eagle Lake.

Betty is survived by her children, Ginger Chumney (Larry) and John McDonald III, grandchildren Jennifer Wright (Craig), Amanda Espie (Richard), Jason McDonald, Eric Thompson, Sarah Thompson, and Travis Thompson, great grandchildren Hannah Sandlak (Dan), Nicholas Warmington, Riley Wilson and Zoe Espie, and great-great grandchildren Lilly Jenkins and Eleanor Sandlak.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Ray Edward and Nettie Jeanette Thrasher, her husband John W McDonald II, and her daughter Sandra Thompson.

A visitation will be held Wednesday, March 1, 2023, at Ott Laughlin Funeral Home, Auburndale, Florida, from 12:00pm to 1:00pm followed by the funeral service at 1:00pm; reception to follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Compassionate Care Hospice.