Joyce Alexander McDonald

Joyce Alexander McDonald, 86, a life-long resident of Mt. Sidney went peacefully to be with her Lord on April 20, 2020. A daughter of the late Raymond and Mary Croushorn Alexander, she was born on July 8, 1933 in Mt. Sidney on the kitchen table while her Aunt Ruth was making bread. She was the only granddaughter born to the late George N. and Lettie Landis Croushorn. Joyce graduated from Mt. Sidney High School in 1951. Following her passion for music, she earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Madison College. She was a band director at Madison County High School and librarian at Augusta Military Academy where she was the first female instructor; her husband was also an instructor there. She also taught for Augusta County Schools. She and her husband were also teachers at Luray High School and commuted to school. She returned to Madison College and earned her Master’s Degree in counseling. They built their final home in 1976 and her father was one of the main contractors. Joyce was a lifetime member at Salem Lutheran Church in Mt. Sidney where she served as the church organist for many years. She was an avid Christian and very devoted to God and her church. On June 24, 1967 she married James Hugh McDonald who preceded her in death. Surviving is a nephew, Jason Eubanks of Mt. Sidney; VA, grandson, Adrian Eubanks of Mt. Sidney, VA; her sister, Carolyn Eubanks of Verona, VA; cousins, Nelson Croushorn of Raphine, VA, Kim Garrison of Weyers Cave, VA, Norma Friedrich of Ruckersville, VA, Patsy Cruz and her daughters, Cielo and Christine Cruz of Mount Sidney VA; her cat, Chica; special friends, Mary Jackson of Augusta County, VA, Phil Johnson of Mt. Sidney, VA, and Bev & Warren Wise of Mt. Solon, VA; and her extended Kuklinski Family in Baltimore, MD. Burial will be private at Salem Lutheran Church Cemetery with Pastor Derek Boggs officiating. A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Memorial contributions may be sent to Salem Lutheran Church, 417 Salem Church Road, Mt. Sidney, VA 24467. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.lindseyweyerscave.com