Emily Luten McDonald

Emily Luten Crump McDonald, 77, died December 24, 2017 at a local healthcare facility. Mrs. McDonald was a reporter in Chattanooga for more than 30 years, first for the Chattanooga Times and then for the Chattanooga Times Free Press. She previously worked at the Methodist Publishing House and the Associated Press, both in Nashville, and the Houston Chronicle in Texas.

A member of St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church, and formerly of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Mrs. McDonald served as a chalice bearer, lay reader and member of the vestry. She was the author of the "History of St. Paul's Episcopal Church (1972 to 2004)."

Mrs. McDonald was a member of the board of the Episcopal Commission of Southeast Tennessee and editor of its newsletter, Ecsetera. She also served on the boards of the Friends of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Bicentennial Library and the In-As-Much Mission. She was a volunteer in the library bookstore and at the Episcopal Metropolitan Ministry and the Chattanooga Community Kitchen.

Mrs. McDonald was born in Bristol, Va., and graduated from Brenau Academy in Gainesville, Ga. In 1963 she received a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Tennessee, where she served as editor of the Orange and White and belonged to several honorary societies. She also attended Florida Southern College and was a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority,

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Mabel Crump of Chattanooga, formerly of Knoxville.

Emily is survived by her son and daughter-in-law Drew and Sallie McDonald of Chattanooga, two grandchildren Jake (Kamry) and Elena.

Her body will be cremated and the ashes interred at Highland Memorial Gardens in Knoxville.

A memorial service will be held at 11 AM Saturday, December 30, 2017 at St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church with the Rev. Louisa Parsons officiating. The family will receive friends following the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Book of Remembrance at St. Paul’s, the Episcopal Metropolitan Ministry, St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church, Friends of the Library or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are by Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, East Chapel, 404 S. Moore Rd., Chattanooga, Tennessee 37412.