Kathleen Willey McDonald

Kathleen Willey McDonald, originally of Carthage, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on November 28, 2009, in Marietta, Georgia, where she lived for the past six years. She lived her entire 94 years of life with a youthful spirit and sharp mind, loving every moment she had with her beloved family. Kate was born on June 18, 1915, in Rockwood, Tennessee, to Albert Donald and Dixie Willey. After she married her true love, Brice, they both worked at the shipyards in Evansville, Indiana during World War II. It was there that their beloved daughter, Dixie, was born. After the war, the McDonalds moved to Gordonsville, Tennessee. After moving to Carthage, Kate found her passion as a school teacher and began a kindergarten in the basement of her home. When kindergarten became available in public schools, she taught at Carthage Elementary until her retirement. Many residents of Carthage were students of Mrs. McDonald’s kindergarten classes. Kate and Brice enjoyed many trips over the years, including Scotland, British Columbia, Boston and New York City. Kate also enjoyed traveling to the beach with Dixie’s family-it was a tradition for many, many years, even as the grandchildren grew up and had their own children. Kate also enjoyed some “girl’s trips” with her daughter and granddaughter to New York and Paris. Kate enjoyed taking care of her flower garden, reading, and cooking for her family. Kate also had a very special musical talent. She loved to play the piano and could sight-read anything placed before her. All her family and students loved to listen to her play. In all, Kate will be most missed for her gift with children: how to make them laugh with her infectious sense of humor and sweet giggle, how to encourage their creativity with art and play, and how to be their friend and supporter in life. She is survived by her sister, Thomasine Armistead and her adoring grandchildren, Julie Willingham Townsend and her husband, Carl Tyler Townsend of Austin, Texas; and Randolph Claiborne Willingham, Jr. and his wife, Rebecca Wood Willingham of Acworth, Georgia; her son-in-law, Randolph Claiborne Willingham of Marietta; her great-grandchildren, Gracie, Will and Charlie Townsend and Nathan and Marshall Willingham; and dozens of devoted nieces and nephews. Kate is preceded in death by her husband, Brice Martin McDonald and her daughter, Dixie McDonald Willingham; sisters, Lela Murphy and Maggie Bradford. Finally together again in heaven, Brice and Kate shared the same birthday and date of death. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. on Monday, December 7th, at Sanderson Funeral Home in Carthage, TN. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the library at Carthage Elementary School. Mail to Sanderson Funeral Home, 901 Main St, Carthage, TN 37030-1002

Kathleen Willey McDonald

November 30, 2009