Shirley McDonald

Mrs. Shirley H. McDonald peacefully entered her eternal home after a courageous battle with a brain tumor on March 31, 2009, while at home under Hospice care. Shirley was born on August 6, 1930 in Little Mountain, SC at her grandparent?s home while her mother was visiting. Shirley was a lifelong resident of Charlotte and a daughter of Gracie Iola Eargle Hamilton and Fred Holland Hamilton, who predeceased her. She was also predeceased by her sisters, Rose Marie Hamilton, Patsy Ruth Egebrecht, Elsie Joy Farkas, Norma Elaine Kothe, and Susanne Stallings. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Robert A. McDonald, Jr. of Charlotte, daughter, Susan Gail McDonald of Beaufort, SC, sons, Russell Alan McDonald and wife Patty of Charlotte, Robert Jeffrey McDonald of Mint Hill, James Barry McDonald, and wife Brenda of Davidson and two wonderful granddaughters, whom she adored, Chelsea Nicole McDonald and Krysta Laine McDonald, also of Davidson, NC. Survivors also include two sisters and two brothers; Margaret Edith Reisert of Silver Spring, MD, Freda Hamilton Correll of Charlotte, Robert Alexander Hamilton of Matthews, NC and James Parks Hamilton of Ft Mill, SC. In addition to the above there are many cousins, nieces, and nephews who mourn her death. Shirley was educated in the public school system of Charlotte and after attending Central High School, she took art classes at Charlotte College. Shirley?s work career included Southern Bell Telephone Co, but most of her time was committed as a loving and dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and a great friend to many people. She enjoyed family get togethers, growing flowers and plants, playing bridge, painting, bird and deer watching, and genealogy. Shirley was a longtime member of Steele Creek Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends on Friday, April 3, 2009, from 6:30 PM until 8:30 PM at Hankins and Whittington Funeral Home, 1111 East Boulevard, Charlotte, NC. A service of celebration for the life of Shirley McDonald will be held on, Saturday, April 4, 2009 at Steele Creek Presbyterian Church, 7407 Steele Creek Road, Charlotte, NC at 11:00 AM with Rev. Dr. Jeff Pinkston, Rev. Valerie Phillips, and Rev. Bey Grunder officiating. Entombment will follow at Forest Lawn West Mausoleum Chapel, 4601 Freedom Drive, Charlotte, NC If friends so desire, contributions in Shirley?s name may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region, 1420 East Seventh Street, Charlotte, NC 28204 or Steele Creek Presbyterian Church at the above address.