Ms. Lela McDonald

Lela McDonald, 89, of Peoria, IL departed this life peacefully at her residence with her family at her side on Saturday, May 27, 2023, at 4:05 p.m. Lela was born on March 24, 1934, to Marshall Johnson and Sara Bell Johnson in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, who both preceded her in death. She came to Peoria and married the love of her life, Johnny McDonald, Sr. on March 26, 1955. To this union were four children: Johnny McDonald Jr, Pamela (Lafayette) Johnson, both of Peoria, Terry (Toni) McDonald of Grand Rapids, MI, and stepdaughter Cynthia Gains of Conyers, GA. Lela attended Wheatley School where she graduated in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. She was a member of the cheerleading squad and played on the girls’ basketball team. She enjoyed going back home to celebrate Poplar Bluff Day in the month of July. Lela was a faithful member for many years at New Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church. She sang in the choir and served on the Calendar Tea. Lela’s passions were bowling in the different leagues of Peoria, IL, attending Senior World on Monday’s and Wednesday’s, shopping at rummage sales and playing Bid Whiz & Pokeno. She also enjoyed completing crossword puzzles, word searches, and spending time with her family. Lela leaves her precious & loving memories to be cherished by many; including her children, 6 grandchildren, 3 step-grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and special friends. She also leaves special remembrances to daughter-in-law, Vickie McDonald of Grand Rapids, MI; two sisters-in-law, Elizabeth (Marion) Lampkin, and Rosemary Clemmer, both of Peoria; two brother-in law, James McDonald, Sr of Peoria, and Leo (Mattie) McDonald of Battle Creek, MI. Lela was preceded in death in addition to her parents by her husband, Johnny McDonald, Sr; son, Bobby McDonald; grandson, Bobby Arlandis McDonald; three brothers, Cecil, Carney, and Frankie Johnson; three sisters, Cordelia Oliver, Clara, and Evelyn Johnson. The family of Lela McDonald would like to thank everyone for your expressions of love shown through phone calls, text messages, prayers, food, flowers, and words of encouragement. Please continue to pray that God gives us strength as we continue the bereavement process. We, the McDonald & Johnson families, would like to give special thanks to Senior World, the Transitions Hospice Staff, Addus HomeCare and great-granddaughter, Rosheika Crooks. “You took great care of our mother!” A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at New Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior at 10:00 p.m. Pastor Cleveland Thomas will host, Pastor Keith McDonald will officiate, and Pastor Terry McDonald will deliver the Eulogy. Interment will be at Camp Butler on Monday, June 12, 2023. Arrangements were made especially for the McDonald & Johnson family and professionally directed by TW Parks Colonial Chapel. Online condolences and acknowledgments can be made at twparkschapel.com.

Ms. Lela McDonald

March 24, 1934 - May 27, 2023