Lemuel H. MacDonald

Lemuel Hugler MacDonald

Lemuel MacDonald, a.k.a. Jawanza, passed away on, March 7, 2016 at the age of 73. He was born Lemuel Hugler MacDonald on October 22, 1942 in Hackensack, NJ.

He graduated from Hackensack High School. While in high school, Lemuel enjoyed and actively participated in sports, especially baseball and track. As he matured, he developed a great love for classic and Afro-Cuban jazz music. He loved to dance Latin dances, such as the Cha-Cha. He would spend hours in his entertainment room listening to jazz music and playing his Congo drums.

He entered the US Army in 1967 and during this time he was stationed at Fort Campbell, KY. He also became a father, his daughter Hope was born. After completing his obligation in the Army, he received an Honorable Discharge and then pursued his career as a draftsman/designer in the aerospace industry. He was responsible for designing and illustrating all electronic and mechanical functions of aerospace projects he was assigned.

In 1976, he met Frances Montgomery and her daughter Serene. After a two year courtship, they were married in Pasadena, CA on August 26, 1978. Their daughter, Kamille was born the following year. He had such a sense of humor. His punchline was often unexpected which made it even funnier. He loved life, family, politics, war documentaries, and food. He was genuine to the end, fighting a good fight of faith.

Lemuel was preceded in death by his loving parents, Hugler and Mary MacDonald of Hackensack, NJ and step-brother; Wendell Harmon of Chester, PA.

He leaves to cherish his memory - his loving wife, Frances, 3 daughters, Hope of Riverdale, NJ; Serene of Fayetteville, GA; Kamille of Stevenson Ranch, CA; 6 grandchildren: Taylor, Kalei, Summer, Kristen, Kevin Jr., Bentlei. His sister, Pearl Coleman of Hyattsville, MD and 7 brothers: Howard of Greensboro, NC; David of Syracuse, NY; Stephen of Fayetteville, NC; Burton of Syracuse, NY; James of Anaheim, CA; Kenneth of Charlotte, NC; and Melvin of Chesapeake, VA; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The family would like to thank you for your prayers, gifts, visits, words of encouragement, phone calls, texts, time, and talents during this season. Your generosity will never be forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, we desire to see acts of kindness in celebration of Lemuel's life on Friday March 11, 2016. He will be buried at sea in California, summer 2016.