Doretha James McDonald

Doretha James Thomas McDonald was born on October 7, 1935, in Mexia, Texas, to Beaulah Mae Conner and James L. Thomas. As an only child, she was raised in a strong Christian family and embraced her faith at an early age, actively participating at Mt. Zion Methodist Church in Comanche Crossing, near Mexia.

She began her education in Midland and Mexia elementary schools. Following the passing of her mother in 1944, Doretha moved to Austin. She attended Kealing Junior High School and L.C. Anderson High School, proudly identifying as an Anderson "Yellow Jacket." She also attended Douglass High School in El Paso, Texas. In 1953, she graduated from Carver High School in Midland, Texas.

Doretha attended Huston-Tillotson College in Austin. During this time, a cousin introduced her to Lee W. McDonald, a quiet young man, and schoolteacher working in Thrall, Texas. Doretha was familiar with Lee’s name as he was named after her great uncle, L.W. Thomas, a prominent Primitive Baptist minister and revivalist from the Mexia area.

Doretha and Lee married in March of 1956, embarking on a lifelong journey together in the small community of Thrall. They enjoyed 41 years of marriage. They were passionate about traveling and took summer trips to many states in the Western part of the United States.

Doretha served as a teacher’s aide for 23 years at Thrall ISD, specializing in reading, handwriting, and phonics. Prior to this, she worked for one year as a teacher’s aide at Granger ISD. Doretha was known for her willingness to help anyone in need and inspired others to embrace life's opportunities. She also fervently advocated for lifelong learning through continued education. She also served for several years as a Cub Scout Den Mother in Thrall.

Doretha and Lee were loving parents to four children; Terron, Sherrie, Patrick, and James. Doretha was very competitive and enthusiastically supported her children in all their endeavors. She was proud that all four children graduated from The University of Texas at Austin.

Doretha was a member of Hopewell Primitive Baptist Church in Cedar Creek, Texas and frequently attended the First Baptist Church in Thrall.

She was a novice pianist and was passionate about Gospel music. She actively participated in gospel choirs and singing with her daughters at numerous churches.

Upon her retirement from Thrall ISD in 1994, Doretha cherished the many memories and friendships she had cultivated. Known affectionately as Mr. and Mrs. "Mac," they faithfully served the Thrall community and were deeply loved and respected.

In May 1997, they moved to South Austin to be closer to family in the Austin and Cedar Creek areas. Despite being new to the Shady Hollow neighborhood, Doretha embraced her small-town spirit to build new friendships after Lee’s passing.

Doretha peacefully passed away on April 17, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. As a 20-year breast cancer survivor, she was a passionate advocate for breast cancer awareness.

She is survived by her four children: Terron McDonald, Sherrie Robinson (Tony), Patrick McDonald (Alyson), and James McDonald, all of Austin, Texas; her grandchildren: Cameron Robinson, Lee Robinson, Mia Gomez, Sadie McDonald, and Connor McDonald.

She also leaves behind her cousins: Dorothy Lea Williams (Herman), Alphine Freeman III (Joan), Louis Freeman (Stephanie), John Freeman, Cynthia Freeman, Danny Galloway (Connie), Ilean Galloway, Linda Galloway Conner, Carol Scott, Sedrick Frazier (Debra), Joletia Jones, Andrena Sherman, A. Harvey Freeman IV, Ashton Freeman (Laura) , Lauren Nicole Freeman (Andy), Stephen Freeman and Caitlyn Freeman.

She leaves her nieces and nephew: Luther Jo Barnes, Reuben A. McDonald (Ruby) and Carolyn Fitzgerald (Willie) as well as numerous cousins and a host of friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lee W. McDonald, and her three infant grandchildren, Antoinette Robinson, Valarie Robinson, and Braxton Robinson.

She was laid to rest at Mt. Olive Evergreen Cemetery in Cedar Creek, Texas.

Memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 12th at 11:30 AM CT. Wesley United Methodist Church, located at 1164 San Bernard St, Austin, TX 78702.