Tonya Gail McDonald

Tonya Lauck McDonald passed away suddenly on Friday, November 21, 2014. She was born in Memphis on January 11, 1954. She was the first child, and only daughter, of Patsy Rhodes Lauck and the late James Phillip Lauck. She was the granddaughter of the late Dennis and Winona Rhodes and the late Helen Lauck Spore all of Memphis.

After attending Germantown High School, she graduated from White Station High School. As a business major at Memphis State University, she went on to have a successful career in the advertising industry, where she was able to combine her love of travel with her talent for sales and marketing.

Tonya was a member of Christ United Methodist Church. When she was not traveling the globe, she was an active member of her church and community. She was involved in Emmaus, as well as serving on the board of SASHA ministry. In addition to her church affiliations, she was a member of Pi Beta Phi, a Junior League sustainer, and a former member of Les Passees.

The greatest joy in her life was her family, and she especially enjoyed showering her love and attention on her wonderful grandsons, Trey and Robb, spending as much time as possible with them. She leaves her daughters, Brittany and Molly, her son and daughter-in-law, Will and Dupree, and her grandsons Trey and Robb. She is also survived by her mother Patsy and two brothers, Phil and Rhod Lauck.

Tonya’s passion for life and love for people resulted in immediate friendships that lasted her lifetime. She will be remembered for her contagious laughter, her can-do attitude, and her full engagement in life. She will be missed by her many friends in Memphis, as well as those she met on her extensive travels.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 25th at Christ United Methodist Church at 11:30 with the service immediately following in the Wilson Chapel at 1:00. A private burial will be held in the Mausoleum at Memorial Park Cemetery.

The family requests that memorials be sent to Presbyterian Day School or SASHA Ministry.