Fannie Laura (Gregory) McDonald, 85, went home to be with Jesus on Tuesday, October 19th, at approximately 6:00 p.m., after a lengthy illness.
Fannie was born on July 12, 1936, in Charleston, MS to Vivian (Reinhardt) Gregory and Elbert Gregory, and was married to Audie Melvin McDonald of Memphis, TN.
Ms. McDonald was a loving daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and person. She has six children; David, Brenda, Sandra, Janice, James, and Michael.
She is predeceased by her mother, father, two brothers, Charles A. Gregory, and Dogan W. Gregory, and son, David Carlton McDonald (Melody).
She is survived by her brother Hairold Dean Gregory (Diana), Kenosha, WI; by five children: Brenda Susan (McDonald) Sands, Oakland, TN; Sandra Kay (McDonald) Trusky (Raymond), Winthrop Harbor, IL; Janice Marie (McDonald) Zmich, Sacramento, CA; James Robert McDonald (Andrea), Kenosha, WI; and Michael Wayne McDonald, Cleveland, TN; eleven grandchildren: Heather Walters (Sean); Matthew McDonald; Courtney Osters (David); Joseph Landers III; Phillip Trusky (Katie); Laura Chase (Paul); Rachael Cruz; Adam McDonald; Christopher McDonald; Hailey McDonald; Madison McDonald; and eighteen great-grandchildren.
If you knew Fannie at all, you knew that she loved the Lord, sewing, gardening, and coffee. From the time her children were small, she was making nearly all of her girls’ clothes, as well as her own. She was an extraordinarily gifted tailor and seamstress who also made designer clothes as a business, including gorgeous wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses.
As a gardener, roses were her greatest love. She always had the most beautiful roses and flowers in the neighborhood—wherever she lived, and gardened daily until she was unable.
Fannie’s greatest passion however, was her faith in God, which sustained her through many illnesses throughout her lifetime. Illnesses that should have taken her life many times over. She fought hard and was strong to the end, always giving God the glory for all her blessings, especially her family.
Fannie leaves behind a legacy of strength and fortitude, one of strong children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will carry on her love for God and family, and trust in God to sustain them in everything!
Visitation will take place on Tuesday, October 26, 2021, at Proko Funeral Home, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., followed with a Memorial service honoring Fannie’s life. Interment will take place in Sunset Ridge Memorial Park, Kenosha, WI.