Born August 26, 1931, to Eugene & Mary Rose Cope in LeCompte, LA, Louise passed away April 29, 2025, in Lufkin, TX, surrounded by her family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 44 years, Ariel Dennis McDonald Sr.; brothers, Eugene Lester “Buddy” Cope, Willie Nolan Cope, Dalton Cope; sisters, Ruth Chamberlain, and Audrey Bracewell.
She is survived by her children, Dennis and Peggye McDonald of Canyon Lake, TX, Glen and Karla McDonald of Sante Fe, TX, Mary and Larry Staggs of Lufkin, TX; her grandchildren, Aaron and Shelly McDonald, Andy McDonald and fiancée Cristabel, Amanda and Jason Stephens, Stanton Morse and Jenna, Sarah and Joseph Guedry, Micah and Brittany Staggs, Nathan and Melissa Staggs. Great Grandchildren, Shelby, Abbie, Alden, Lily, Eliana, Cruse, Luke, Blake and Katherine. Her sister, Gladys Ainsworth of China.
Louise was raised in China, where she graduated as Valedictorian of China High School in 1948. After earning her Business Degree from Port Arthur College, she married her love, Dennis McDonald, in 1950. They eventually settled in Warren, and raised their three children.
Louise served her family, community and her savior everyday of her life. Her table was always full of friends and home-cooked food. She took care of her neighbors and even worked in a variety of occupations over the years, including a secretary, Avon Representative, and a mail carrier. However, she was best known in her later years as a prayer warrior.
She was a charter member of Bethel Baptist church for 63 years. The highlight of her life was loving and serving her Lord Jesus Christ. She served as a Sunday School teacher, VBS director, nursery and youth worker, and helped with the library, the Benevolence ministry, and many other positions. Her greatest work was serving her Lord as a Godly wife, mother, and grandmother. The love of Jesus was shown throughout her life in everything she did.
Funeral services were held Saturday, May 3, at 2 pm at the Bethel Baptist Church in Warren, with burial following at Turner Branch Cemetery in Spurger. Visitation was held at the church on Saturday from 1 pm until 2 pm.
Serving as pallbearers were Aaron McDonald, Andrew McDonald, Stanton Morse, Micah Staggs, Nathan Staggs, Joseph Guedry, Jason Stephens, and Alden McDonald. Serving as honorary pallbearers were Cruse Guedry and Blake Beard.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Bethany World Ministries bwmafrica.com
Services are held under the direction of Riley Funeral Home, Woodville 417
