Mrs. McDonald passed away Saturday, October 1, 2022. She was born in Mobile, AL on June 13, 1939. She was raised by her late grandparents, Judge Ben D. Turner and his wife, Buzzie. She graduated from Murphy High School in Mobile, AL and then came to Red Springs, NC to attend Flora MacDonald College. There she met, fell in love with, and married Marshall MacDonald after he transferred from Mars Hill College.

She continued her studies and graduated with a degree in elementary education from Pembroke College. She went on to teach 5th grade for several years until she obtained her degree in library science and became a librarian. She retired as a librarian from Peterson Elementary School in Red Springs, NC in 1997. Bess was also an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church, singing in the choir for many years. In addition, she was a Girl Scout Leader.

She and Marshall raised two children, Maysie Alder (Baker) and Bryan McDonald. They also had six grandchildren: Marshall IV, Brad, Hannah, Sarah, Richard, and Maysie, and six great-grandchildren: Bentley, Brooklynn, Brody, Bryce, Brielle, and Paisley.

Along with her grandparents, she was preceded in death by her mother, Martha Turner Winney, and her sister, Mitzi Lohner.

A graveside memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 8, 2022, at 1:00 PM at Alloway Cemetery, 631 W. 4th Avenue in Red Springs, NC.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Trinity United Methodist Church, 204  3rd Avenue, Red Springs, NC 28377.