Obituary of Martha McDonald

McDONALD, Martha Evelyn (Allen) Martha Allen McDonald passed away on January 16, 2010 at 5:20 AM at the Superior Residences-Cala Hills Memory Care Center in Ocala after a long illness. Martha was born on June 5, 1925 in Bulloch County, Georgia. She graduated from Statesboro (GA) High School in 1942, and Georgia Teachers College (Georgia Southern University) in 1946. She was then employed by the Office of the College President in 1946-48. A Business Education major, Martha joined the faculty at Hilliard, FL High School from 1947-1952. After marrying Carey E. McDonald of Callahan, FL High School in the summer of 1951, she transferred to Callahan Elementary School in 1952 for five years. The McDonalds moved to Ocala in 1957 with Martha at Eighth Street Elementary and Carey at Ocala High School. She went to Ward-Highlands Elementary in 1959 where she completed her 38 years in the classroom and retired in 1986. Many of the Ocala doctors, lawyers, judges, police chiefs, and hundreds of students enjoyed fifth grade instruction with Martha McDonald. She loved Ward-Highlands, its faculty, and her principal, Bob Ward. Martha was a member of the Ocala Women's club for over forty years and a sponsor of Little Women for several years. She was active in Alpha Delta Kappa sorority for over 30 years, a member of the First United Methodist Church, the Friendly Fellowship Sunday School Class, and the Lydia Circle for 52 years. Martha was distinguished by her passion for cooking, homemaking, and family. She is survived by her husband of nearly 59 years, Carey E. McDonald; son, A. Dale McDonald of Maitland, daughter, Caren Gayle McDonald Archer and her husband, William Warren Archer, Jr. of McDonough, GA; and her sister, Mary Moore (Thomas A.) of Orlando. Grandchildren include Matthew T. McDonald; Elizabeth Skye Archer, and William Warren Archer III. Nephews include Francis W. Allen, Jr., Savannah, GA, and Judge Scott Allen of Augusta, GA. She was preceded in death by her brother Judge Francis W. Allen, Sr. and her sister Johnnie Lee Allen. Funeral services are set for the First United Methodist Church for Tuesday, January 19th, 2010 at 11:00 AM. Pastors Sue Haupert-Johnson and Allen Johnson will handle the service. Interment will follow at the Highland Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services will be held on Monday night, January 18th, from 5-7 PM. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Florida Methodist Children's Home in Enterprise, FL or the First United Methodist Church Emergency Fund.