Susan McDonald

Susan McDonald TUPELO - Susan Rogers Newton McDonald died Monday, December 10, 2012, at the North Mississippi Medical Center. She was born in Seminary, Mississippi, to Willie Lea and George Alexander Newton who preceded her in death. She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Southern Mississippi with a major in journalism and a minor in history. Susan married Tom McDonald on September 1, 1957. They moved to the Mantachie community where Tom began his medical career. Susan was a vital member of that community as well as a founding member of the Mantachie Pilot Club. After several years of service in Mantachie, Susan and Tom moved to Jackson, Mississippi, to allow Tom to specialize in neurosurgery. While in Jackson, Susan continued her community service while raising their five children. In 1977 they moved to Tupelo where she resided until her death. Susan was a member of the First Presbyterian Church where she served as Elder, Sunday school teacher, member of the Chancel Choir, Bible School teacher and for many years presented the Children's Sermon. In 2012 Susan was awarded Lifetime Membership in the Presbyterian Women's organization where she served in many capacities including Moderator. One of her many gifts was creative writing and she graciously composed the Presbyterian Women's Monthly Devotional as well as daily devotionals during Stewardship season. Susan was a lifetime member of Junior Auxiliary of Tupelo which she continued to support through the years as a sponsor of the annual Charity Ball. Susan was a charter member of the Hernando Desoto Chapter of the Colonial Dames 17th Century. She was a longtime member of Tupelo Garden Club where she served as President. Susan was a member and avid supporter of the Forthian Club, Fortnightly Musicale Club; Mary Stuart Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution; Medical Alliance; Tupelo Ballet; and Tupelo Symphony League. A Service of Witness to the Resurrection will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday at First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Doctor Ron Richardson and Rev. Doctor Tom Groome officiating. Interment will be at First Presbyterian Columbarium. W. E. Pegues Funeral Directors is in charge of the arrangements. Survivors include her husband of 55 years Tom McDonald, and five children, Bess Robbins (Grayson) of Tupelo, Jay McDonald (Louann) of Booneville, Aimee Burrow (Chris) of Jackson, Margaret McDonald of Tupelo, and Alice Stine (William)of Olive Branch; six grandchildren Alix, Mary Kate, and Larkin Robbins of Tupelo, Walker and Nicholas Burrow of Jackson, and Trae Stine of Olive Branch; one brother George Newton (Willie) of Marietta, Georgia; special friend and caregiver Tressa Walker; and a host of nieces and nephews. Honorary pallbearers are members of her Friday Luncheon Group, "The Friday Girls": Emily Barber, Judy Billups, the late Judy Hodges, Laura Lackey, Claudia Neelly, and Mary Elizabeth Williams. Visitation will be 5 to 7p.m. Wednesday and 10:00 to 11:00am on Thursday in McFadden Hall at First Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, P. O. Box 1725, Tupelo, MS 38802. Expressions of sympathy may be left at www.peguesfuneralhome.com .