Ann McDonald

Ann Addison McDonald, loving mother, sister, aunt and grandmother, passed away peacefully at her residence on September 17, 2022 in the care of her family and Columbus hospice. 

A graveside service will be held 2:00 PM Friday, September 23, 2022 at Ft. Mitchell National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 PM Thursday, September 22, 2022 at McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, GA 31907.

Ann McDonald, a resident of Columbus, Georgia, was born on November 14, 1930 in Opp, Alabama. Ann and her twin sister, Vann were born to Alma and James Addison. Ann has a younger sister, Betty Jo.

Ann will be laid to rest with her late husband, Col. William Kenneth McDonald, Jr.

She is survived by her daughters, Dorothy "Dee" Parker (Edwin), and Lacey Umphress (Jeremy), as well as Kathryn McDonald, Valerie McDonald (Megan), Greg McDonald (Rochelle), and Roberta McDonald-Huey (David). Ann’s grandchildren include Gabriel Huber, Christopher Mettler, Cameron Mettler, John Wesley Temples, Robert Kyle Temples, Taylor McDonald, Madison McDonald, Caitlyn Huey, Nigel Huey, Coleman McDonald-Scanlon, Catherine Campbell McDonald-Scanlon and Colin Umphress, Her great grandchildren are Addison Grace Temples, Frederick Temples, Reid Douglas Mettler and another baby boy to be born in February. Ann is also survived by her sister Betty Jo and her husband, George Groesbeck, as well as many nieces and nephews. 

Ann is a graduate of Jordan High School in Columbus; GA. Ms. McDonald was employed by Blue Cross/Blue Shield for 30 years as the Medical Underwriter. Ann was very community minded as served in many civic and political roles. She was a member of the Board of Elections in Muscogee County and received a Certificate of Merit commemorating her outstanding contributions to the electoral process. She was active in her earlier years in Soroptimist International, named "Woman of the Year" in the 1977.  She served as the President of Soroptimist International of Columbus in 1978-79. In 1978, Ann earned an Associates of Arts degree from Columbus College. Ann was also a member of "Friends of Columbus" in later years where she enjoyed activities with members of the group.

In November, 1978 Ann married Ken McDonald. As a life-long resident of the Tri-county area her life changed to one of an Army officer’s wife. Army life prompted moves every two to three years. She traveled the country and world with Ken. Ann was able to experience many different cultures but she was always able to find her place in each new community. She resided in Louisville, KY, Philadelphia, PA, Cherryhill, NJ, Lawrenceville, GA, Hampton, VA and Atlanta, GA. Finally, Ken retired and they could embark on a less hectic life on a farm in Shiloh, GA. In each new location Ann worked or volunteered in a civic capacity. After settling into life in Shiloh, she sought to improve the municipal services. Ann was elected to the town council and was very proud to be called “Councilman McDonald.” Ken and Ann were active members of the First Presbyterian Church of Manchester-Warm Springs.

As a result of time spent with Ken on the farm in Shiloh, Ann developed a deep love of animals and nature. She always had several dogs that she carried for. The family enjoyed walks around the lake with a menagerie of kids, dogs and goats. In later years, Ann enjoyed many hours cultivating her Knock-out roses.

After Ken passed away, Ann was blessed with the friendship and companionship of Mr. James Sparks. They spent their final years together attending family celebrations and enjoying each other’s company. Yet her greatest affection was reserved for her children and grandchildren whom she adored. Nothing was more important to her nor gave her more pleasure than nurturing her family and she did so unceasingly until her death. Ann will be greatly missed by all of us.

The family would like to thank all of those who tirelessly cared for Ann. We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of the friends and family who were always there to comfort Ann in her final days.

Flowers are graciously accepted. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Columbus Hospice 7020 Moon Rd, Columbus, GA 31909.

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