Obituary of Lillian McDonald

Lillian McDonald, age 97, passed away in her home in Talladega on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. A funeral ceremony will be held in her memory at Central Baptist Church in Talladega on Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. with Lillian’s pastor, Reverend Ricky Clark, and her niece, hospital chaplain, Dr. Catherine Lawrence officiating. Her family will receive friends at the church for one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow directly after the service at Pine Hill Memorial Park. She was born to her parents, Errol Delmar and Mamie Lou Self Bryan in Dothan, Alabama. Lillian became sure of her salvation. After returning from a revival, she was crying and an older brother, Sigurd, wanted to know why. She said she didn’t think she was saved. He took his Bible and tenderly led her to Christ. Late in her 90’s, it became compelling that she witness to those in her neighborhood on the block where she lived, and she could be seen walking around the block on her walker and leaving church bulletins and sometimes crackers in mailboxes. Vera Calhoun, Lillian’s friend and “coworker” for the project could be seen often accompanying her on the walks. Lillian graduated from Dothan High School. She worked as a church secretary until her marriage to Gwyn McDonald. They moved to Birmingham where he enrolled in Howard College (Samford) to prepare for ministry. Eventually, they would return to Dothan where all four of their children would be born. Lillian was a pastor’s wife all of her married life. She was also a stay at home mom. In 1966, Gwyn became a probation and parole officer and moved to Talladega. As invited to do so, Gwyn continued to preach. Lillian and Gwyn became members of Central Baptist Church in Talladega. Church life was the hub of Lillian’s life, and she was always available for service. As long as she was able, she chose to be in her place on the Lord ’s Day and on Wednesday nights with her church family. She last did so in the month of February. Lillian was blessed with a gracious church family who showered her with love, goodies, and hugs. Southern Care New Beacon Hospice has walked with Mrs. McDonald’s family through this journey as well. May God lay His hand of blessing on them too. Lillian loved her family and they loved her. As the family expanded, she enjoyed time spent with her grandchildren, and she found the great-grandchildren to be the cherries on top. Whether called Grams, Nom, Mother, Mama, Lillian, Sister or friend, many will remember her thoughtfulness, hospitality, help and generosity with affection. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gwyn McDonald; daughter, Barbara Hurst; grandson, Chris Hurst, and brothers, Dr. Wayne Bryan and Dr. Sigurd Bryan. Mrs. McDonald is survived by her daughters, Nancy Rue and Becky Wood (Jeff); son, David McDonald (Lisa); brother, John D. Bryan; sister-in-law, Sara Pate Bryan; grandchildren, Heather Pierce (Clay), Josh McDonald (Keri Lynn), Rob McDonald (Jennifer), and Tom McDonald; great-grandchildren, Will Pierce, Graham Pierce, Jack Pierce, Katelyn McDonald, Hunter McDonald, Amelia McDonald, Reed McDonald, Dylan Hurst, Payton Hurst, and Mac Hurst, and numerous nieces and nephews. Mrs. McDonald’s family will receive flowers, or donations can be made in her memory to Central Baptist Church, P.O. Box 1085, Talladega, AL 35161. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. Blessed be the name of the Lord! Online condolences may be offerd at www.usreyfuneralhome.com. Usrey Funeral Home of Talladega is directing the services.