Thelma E. McDonald

Thelma Elizabeth McDonald was born on November 5, 1928, to the late Robert and Emma Melvin in White Oak, North Carolina. She was the seventh child of nine children. Thelma’s religious education began at an early age at First New Light Baptist Church. Her favorite scripture was Psalm 23. If you knew her, you knew she knew the Lord. No matter the challenge life brought, she would constantly thank God just for giving her another day and remind us that God is still good. In 1956, Thelma moved to Chester, Pennsylvania with her husband the late Mathew T. McDonald and family. She later joined Shiloh Baptist Church under the Pastorate of the late Rev L. J. Freeman. At Shiloh, Thelma was a dedicated member of several choir groups including the “Inspirational Choral Ensemble”, the “Senior Choir,” and “The Voices.” In Chester, Thelma was a homemaker and retail sales worker at Starters Department Store and CVS Pharmacy. She also worked for the Chester Upland School District as a Foster Grandparent Volunteer. Her number one job has always been providing care for her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. Thelma always believed in providing the best for children. On November 12,1963, her passion for equal education for the children of Chester led her to protest with parents and local activists demanding improvement to the former Franklin School. Thelma along with other protesters was arrested and sent to Broadmeadow Prison. That night in prison couldn’t quiet Thelma’s voice. Throughout her life, she continued to advocate for the educational rights of the children of the Chester community. She was a super basketball fan, particularly the Philadelphia 76ers. We all knew not to call her when the Sixers were playing and when her stories were on. She was known for always being supportive of her family. In difficult times, she was a caring listener with words of wisdom. Through accomplishments, she was always present, ready to celebrate and sharp as ever. She touched the lives of so many people. With her, we always felt welcomed and loved. She was that Grandma that you could call and stop by to visit at any time. Her house was literally home at some point to so many of us and daycare for so many of our children. She was classy, full of joy and a peaceful spirit that showed her family and friends unconditional love. She leaves to cherish her memories with her six children, Marjorie A. Davis (Hezekiah Jr.) New Castle, DE, Mathew T. McDonald Jr. (Renee) Philadelphia, PA, Arnold R. McDonald (Beverly)Hope Mill, NC, Jacquelyn L. Parker, Chester, PA, Ameenah Ahmad (Umar) Chester, PA and Michelle E. Lane (Edward) Newport News, VA. One sister Minnie Burns (Odell) and one brother-in-law Depriest McDonald of Fayetteville, NC. God-daughters, Carmen Smith of Bear, DE, Cassandra Smith Swedesboro, NJ and Vertadean Butler of Chester, PA. Thelma was affectionately loved by her 18 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and dear friends. Proceeding her in death are her husband, four sisters, three brothers, and one grandson. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88398650465?pwd=bmtiM3FsQjBXb25oSzZZb29ta3hHQT09

Thelma E. McDonald

November 5, 1928 - July 3, 2021