Linda Joan McDonald

January 1, 1944 - December 24, 2020

Linda Joan McDonald, age 76, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2020, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Linda was born in Charleston, SC and the family soon relocated to Alabama, where she attended Anniston High School. Linda earned her Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Psychology, from Auburn University, where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi social fraternity. She was employed by Employers Insurance of Wausau, in Atlanta, where she met Jerry McDonald. Jerry and Linda were married June 22, 1968 at the First Methodist Church, in Anniston, Alabama. They built their own home in Snellville, Georgia, in 1970, where they continued to live until Jerry’s passing in 2015. Linda worked tirelessly as a stay at home mom, to her children, occasionally working as a secretary for Jerry’s business, McLind Aluminum. She eventually substituted at Britt Elementary, then became a paraprofessional at Cedar Hill Elementary, where she worked with language impaired and Kindergarten for 20 years. Stories were shared how her patience and kindness helped to bring children out of their shell. Linda loved to love on people. She was a dedicated wife and mother. She treasured her children and embraced every moment with them. She especially loved her role as Grammy to her granddaughters, Skylar and Delaney. She made friends everywhere she went. She was a true southern belle with a kind and gentle soul, always looking photogenic and the epitome of elegance. She was uplifting, charming, kept you laughing. In her free time, she loved gardening, especially her hydrangeas, roses and gardenias, painting, reading, and spending time with her grandchildren. In recent years as her Alzheimer’s progressed, Linda would prepare her home for company, her mind hearing friends at the door, her heart always ready for hospitality and welcoming. Linda is now welcomed, into the loving arms of her husband, Jerry McDonald, who preceded to make a place for her in heaven. Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Marie Sessions; and her husband of 47 years, Jerry McDonald. She is survived by her sister, Debbie (Harris) McComb; brothers-in-law, Bob (Trudy) McDaniel, John (Linda) McDaniel, and Jeff McDaniel; her son, Ryan McDonald; daughter, Alison (Charles) Jordan; and two grandchildren, Skylar and Delaney. Special thanks to Benton House of Grayson, who provided invaluable care for 4 years, and Capstone Hospice in her final month. The graveside service to honor and celebrate her life will be held on Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at 1:00 PM at Eternal Hills Memory Gardens, Snellville, GA. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, December 29, 2020 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Tom M. Wages Snellville Chapel. Due to the current COVID-19 regulations, our staff is committed to taking care of our guests and families that we serve. Please understand that we will be limiting the amount of people at our chapel for visitations and services. We also ask all guests and family members attending visitations and services to please bring and wear a mask. Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.wagesfuneralhome.com. Tom M. Wages Funeral Service, a family company, 3705 Highway 78 West, Snellville, GA 30039 (770-979-3200) has been entrusted with the arrangements.