Mary Francis McDonald

May Francis McDonald, born to Henry and Marie McDonald of Mountclair, New Jersey, fell asleep in death on November 15, 2016 at the age of 90 after a brief illness. She was preceded in death by a brother, Henry McDonald, and a sister, Dorothy Ayers. She is survived by her sister, Pearl Johnson of Lugoff, South Carolina; two nieces, Pamela White of Allentown, Pennsylvania; Shelia Dorch of East Orange, New Jersey; two nephews, Clifford W. Ayers and Waren B. Ayers both of Belleville, New Jersey; one grandniece, Keira White of Belleville, New Jersey; one grandnephew, Philip Dorch of East Orange, New Jersey; one greatgrand niece, Anisa Alexander and one greatgrand nephew, Myles Alexander both of Belleville, New Jersey; many cousins, other relatives and spiritual friends. May was born on June 28, 1926 in Mountclair, New Jersey. Her father, Henry, died when she was only three years old. She grew up in a rich spiritual environment provided by her mother, great uncle and aunt. This led her to dedicate her life to Jehovah and be baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1942. May was appointed as a regular pioneer in 1950. Seven years later, in 1957, she was asked to come down south to pioneer where the need was great. This need led her to serve in Camden, South Carolina from 1957 to 1972. In 1972, May’s circuit overseer encouraged her to serve as a special pioneer. This appointment moved her to Abbeville, South Carolina in 1972. Then in 1978 she moved to Elberton, Georgia to special pioneer, and in 1988 she was assigned to St. Mary, Georgia. She spent the past 28 years in St. Mary where she served faithfully until she moved to South Carolina with her sister after becoming ill. May served as a pioneer for 66 years. She truly devoted her life to Jehovah as a loyal servant who joyfully did His will. As a special pioneer, she was able to help many become preachers of the good news and was loved by all that worked along with her in the ministry. May attended many international conventions. She loved to travel and made many friends along the way as a result. On many occasions she shared her experiences on the conventions and assemblies. She was known for her love of people and as one who was gentle, kind and always stood firm for the truth. She will be dearly missed and loved by all who knew her.