Hilna McDonald

Visitation will be held at Holmes Street United Methodist Church, at 2:00 pm Friday, September 16, followed by a Memorial Service at 3:00 pm.

Hilna was preceded in death by her husband, Ibern McDonald, her youngest daughter, Lisa McDonald, her parents and six siblings. She is survived by her sister Connie Barclift (Wayne), two daughters, Deborah Burn and Joy Moody (Randy), grandchildren Stephanie Kilfin, Michael Moody (Brooke), Amy Dowdy (Daniel) and seven great grandchildren; Micah, Katie, Cameron, Patton, Parker, Riley, and Whitman.

She was born in Laurel, Mississippi and graduated from Glade High School. She married Ibern McDonald, also from Mississippi on November 23, 1953.

Hilna was employed for many years with Huntsville City Schools as a lunchroom manager. Upon retirement she volunteered at Crestwood Medical Center and traveled on numerous bus trips all over the country as part of the 50+ club.

She was a long-time active member of Holmes Street United Methodist Church where she served in many different capacities including Children’s Department Coordinator, preschool and elementary Sunday School teacher, co-founder of the Care and Share ministry as well as a monthly program for seniors called Tuesday Alive. Hilna helped start a Children’s Library for the church and was involved in women’s Circle Groups. She also volunteered in the church office helping maintain membership rolls. Her great sense of fun was on display in many humorous fellowship programs at the church.

Hilna loved her family and friends and adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was generous with her love, time and advice. Those who knew her would not be surprised seeing her jump in inflatables, playing hide and seek, or anything that brought a smile to her grandchildren’s faces.

She was a great cook. You would consider yourself lucky to be the recipient of one of her “famous” pound cakes, cheesestraws, or potato soup. She was very involved in preparing meals for her family, neighbors, and church functions.

Hilna loved to read and was a big fan of John Grisham’s books. She was a well-organized, independent woman who took care of her family’s finances and took great pride in her attractive and orderly home.

She enjoyed working in her yard and especially loved being surrounded by her beautiful flowers.

Hilna’s family would like to thank her devoted caregivers and the Amedisys Home Health and Hospice teams for their compassion and kindness.

Flowers or memorials may be sent to Holmes Street United Methodist Church.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.valhallafunerals.com for the McDonald family.