Amelia Gaines McDonald

It is with sadness that the family of Amelia Gaines McDonald, of Fayetteville, announces her passing on Friday, April 27th, at the age of 70 years. Amelia will be remembered fondly and with love by her sons Damon and Sean McDonald along with their wives, Brooke and Katherine. Her five grandkids, Tate (8), Sloan (7), Macy (6), Jax (4) and Molly (3), will forever cherish the memories they got to make with their "Mia". She also leaves behind her brother, Larry Gaines and his wife Nora, and her niece Lori Gaines. The family would also like to give a special thank you to Amelia's first cousin and best friend Elaine Deaton, who has walked every step with the family through these last difficult years. Thank you also to so many who have come to see her, cared for, written notes of encouragement and care, prayed for, and just loved on our family through this time. Amelia was preceded in death by her adored parents, Barney F. and Lydia M. Gaines. And her nephew Mark Gaines. Amelia was born and raised in Hope, Arkansas where she graduated in 1966. She then went on to Henderson State University and graduated in 1970 with an education degree. Amelia was a long time teacher in the Bryant and Benton School Districts where she taught at several elementary schools and at Benton Middle School for almost three decades. She never met a stranger and always offered words of encouragement and kindness to anyone she encountered. She was a strong woman of faith, who shared that faith even in her final days. A funeral service is scheduled for 11:00AM Wednesday, May 2nd at the Selph Hall at First Baptist Church in Benton, Arkansas. There will be a visitation the night before on Tuesday, May 1st from 6-8PM at Selph Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you would consider making a donation to Hope for the City, a ministry of Cross Church via crosschurch.com. On-line guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.