Carolyn Ann McDonald

Carolyn Ann McDonald, daughter of the late John and Willa Mae Cain; was born on June 24, 1942 in Baltimore, Maryland. After a lengthy illness, she departed this life on Sunday, June 21, 2015. Carolyn Ann McDonald, affectionately known as “Nanna” and Carolyn Ann was a lifelong resident of Baltimore. Known for her quick wit, love for her family and community, she appreciated every day she was given. She was educated in Baltimore City Public Schools. In the early years of her life, she spent summers in Tillery, North Carolina bonding with her Grandmother Annie Wynn “Momma”, Aunt Odell, cousins Mary, Glenn, Jim and Edith who was like a sister to her. Following graduation, she became a licensed cosmetologist. She was the family stylist, and as everyone knows, “Carolyn's Kitchen” was the favorite place to be. She later worked for Stewart's Department Store in several departments until her retirement. Shortly after graduating high school. Carolyn met and married Carl Edward (Mac) McDonald. As a loving wife and devoted mother, Carolyn and Mac successfully raised Adrienne, Andre, Jason, and Misty. Throughout the years, Carolyn and Mac remained best friends, and were often seen enjoying their grandchildren and family outings together. Carolyn was never far away from her family. She loved her children and grandchildren immensely. Following retirement, Carolyn accepted the role of child care provider and “Chief Spoiler” to Justin and Brianna. Over the years it was evident that the role of Nanna was her most fulfilling. Nanna never wanting to be unavailable to her youngest grandchildren in Atlanta learned to use an iPad to skype with them. Although hundreds of miles separated them, each visit was increasingly memorable for both Lauren and Travis. Carolyn was a people person, and this was evident by the way she interacted with family, community members, and strangers alike. Carolyn was well versed in the area of giving advice. Anyone could call at any time and she would willingly listen and answer to any issue that was brought to her. Carolyn enjoyed being a support to her neighborhood and extended family. She was a mother figure to many, and helped impact the lives of many children and their families. At any time, the neighborhood children would be found seated around the kitchen table doing homework, getting tutoring and a snack. Carolyn was viewed as Nanna to all that knew her. Carolyn, as an avid reader, and a big proponent of education, had a thirst for knowledge that would include almost every topic known to man. If ever you had a question on how to do something, whether it was cooking medicine, illness, gardening, or fashion design … Carolyn had an answer! She had a flair for life and limitless talent and creativity. Carolyn began making clothes at a young age, which eventually included tapestry and upholstering furniture. It was nothing to see new creations and stylish designs that adorned her home. Carolyn passed on her creative spirit to her children in many ways. Perhaps the greatest gift she passed on were here ability to find humor in the darkest situation and the ability to love unabashedly. She was known to laugh so heartily until tears would run down her face. In life, Carolyn leaves a legacy of love and dedication to family, friends, and extended family that will be sorely missed. Carolyn leaves to cherish her memory, devoted children Adrienne Hollimon, Andre McDonald, Jason McDonald (Tonya), and Misty Norman; one step daughter Stephanie McDonald; five grandchildren Justin and Brianna Hollimon, Lauren and Travis McDonald, and Tarrell Sinkler; four sisters Gloria Evans (Russell), Jeanne Hawkins (James), Joan Cain and Bettye Blaize; six sisters in-law Sallie Ghee, Geraldine Wright (Charles), Annette and Helen McDonald, Bernice Guimond (Stephan), and Ruth Leonard; one brother in-law John McDonald (Dawn); cousins Edith Hinton and Glenn Dorsey (Carolyn); best friend of fifty-plus years Marlene Parker and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Carolyn Ann McDonald

June 24, 1942 - June 21, 2015