Ann was born on November 25, 1932, in Many, Louisiana. She was the daughter of William Harrison “Mike” Pearson and Drew Boone Pearson.
She grew up in Many and was an exceptional athlete, helping her Many High School basketball team win the Louisiana High School Girls State Championship 3 times. Go Tigers!
Ann attended Baylor University, where she received her Bachelor of Science degree. After graduation, she married Leo Wayne McDonald in 1954 and moved to Fayetteville, Arkansas, where he was finishing his bachelor’s degree at the University of Arkansas. While there, she earned her Master of Science degree. Ann was highly intelligent and intuitive, much to her children’s dismay. Nothing got past her. Ever. She was the finest mom one could hope for.
They moved to Shreveport in the mid-1950’s, where Ann began her long career as a schoolteacher at Midway Junior High School. In the mid-1960’s, she, along with Leo and her children, Tracy and Sally, moved to Houston. She continued teaching for many years. As business opportunities arose for Leo, they moved back to Shreveport in 1976. Ann was a strategic partner in the formation of STAF Sales, along with her husband Leo and son Tracy. This was the beginning of, what is today, McDonald Industries.
Ann was a devout Christian and lived her life to honor that faith. For several decades, she was a member of Broadmoor Baptist Church. “Miss Ann” always had a friendly word and a hug to comfort anyone she knew, and many she didn’t. She had a miraculous sense of fairness and compassion. Her kindness had no equal. She loved to laugh and make all around her happy. She succeeded.
Ann truly enjoyed playing golf and tennis, being a member of East Ridge C.C. for many years.
The love of her life, “Leo Wayne”, preceded her in death by ten weeks. They met at the Many Baptist Church in Sunday school in 1937, when just 5 years old. 84 years of friendship and 66 years of marriage is a pretty good run. Never harsh words or ugliness between them. They were best friends and treated each other with that respect for the long haul. Disagreements always gave way to laughter and a big kiss. That’s the way it was. Always.
This caring, compassionate, and graceful woman is survived by her son Tracy McDonald of Shreveport, her daughter Sally McDonald of Los Angeles, California, Tracy’s wife Zayda of Shreveport and her children Rachelle and Kevin, her daughter-in-law Hope Smith of Los Angeles, and her grandsons Miles McDonald of Shreveport, and Pearson McDonald of Los Angeles.
She is also survived by her sister, Jill Pearson, and nephew, Will Pearson of Austin, Texas.
We have lost the nicest person in the world. They don’t come along that often. Please cherish her memory.
The family is planning a celebration of both Ann and Leo’s lives in the future. In lieu of the usual remembrances, donations may be made to the Broadmoor Baptist Church in Shreveport, Louisiana.
Rest in peace, Mama Ann.
I know you are holding DaWayne’s hand again.
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