Mother Elizabeth Walker McDonald, affectionately known as “Moot,” was the incredible, special bundle of joy her parents, James Walker and Mamie Luster Walker, had been praying for. On October 10, 1940, she entered their lives and became a blessing to them and their village of supporters. 

 

Except for the few years that she lived in Orlando, Florida, “Moot” was a lifelong resident of Madison, Florida, where she faithfully attended the St. James Missionary Baptist Church from her childhood to the time of her passing. During her early teen years, she made her personal confession of her belief in Jesus Christ. She gladly received in grace what He offered by faith. “The joy of the Lord” was the strength that she acquired, and shared through her leadership roles as Sunday School teacher, leader for the Young Women Department of the First Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Association, as well as Mother of St. James Missionary Baptist Church. Because of her love for God and compassion for her fellow man, Mother Elizabeth willingly helped anyone in need. She had the gift of a cheerful spirit, and the ability to have good relationships with others. Her magnetic personality especially attracted children to her especially her grand-children. 

 

She possessed her own regimen of strictness, but the truth of the matter was, that these young ones did not want to disappoint her. She fostered and mentored children in her neighborhood because she believed in their potential to rise above their circumstances, and they usually “leveled up” to her expectations. 

Mother McDonald was well-educated. She began her formal education at Madison County Training School and Suwannee River Junior College then continued on to Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University where she earned her Bachelor and Master degrees in Education. 

 

Mother McDonald, “Moot”, had a stellar teaching career in which she touched and elevated countless lives. Her 40+ years of teaching included her dedicated service at Morven Elementary (a feeder school in Quitman / Brooks County, Georgia), and at Madison Primary and Madison County Central Schools. 

 

Mother McDonald was a proud member of the Iota Alpha Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., as well as, a member of the Madison County Chapter of Retired Educators Association. 

 

During Mother McDonald’s golden years of retirement, she sought to let her faith inspire each day. She enjoyed traveling, communicating with her friends, reading avidly, and watching the syndicated series from the “good ole days,”- especially “Perry Mason”, “Gunsmoke” and “The Tales of Wells Fargo.” 

 

On Thursday, December 26, 2024, Mother Elizabeth Walker McDonald departed this earthly life and transitioned to her eternal home where she “Has Found Rest Beyond the River” and where “It is Well with Her Soul.” 

 

Mother Elizabeth Walker McDonald’s legacy and fulfillment of purpose will continue through her family, friends, and the countless lives she impacted. Among her many loved ones are her dutiful sons: Reginald (Melissa) Walker and Llewellyn McDonald, all of Madison, FL; her devoted daughter: Calandra (Francis) McDonald– Kimbell of Fayetteville, GA; daughter-in-love: Temple Walker of Madison, FL; grandchildren: Kimberly (Melvin) Alexander, Michelle Walker, Leila (Fred) Haynes, Shamonta Walker, Shawntrell Walker, LaTiqua Walker, Reginald Walker, Jr. and R.J. Walker; bonus grandchildren: Keisha Billington, Nicholas Simmons, J’Mia McNeil, and Harvey Spencer; 21 great-grandchildren; 19 great-great grandchildren; in addition to many other sorrowing relatives, and sympathetic friends. 

 

Preceding Mother McDonald in death and waiting for her with outstretched arms at Heaven’s gate are her loving and supportive parents: James Walker and Mamie Luster Walker.