Jean McDonald

Jean McDonald, 96, of Lancaster, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on May 19, 2026. Born on March 19, 1930, in Baltimore, Ohio, to Bill and Audrey Norris, Jean grew up with a gentle spirit, a strong faith, and a heart that would one day become the center of her family.

From a young age, Jean learned the value of kindness, hospitality, and hard work; qualities she carried with her throughout her life. Those who knew her often say she never met a stranger. Her door was always open, her table always had room for one more and her warmth made everyone feel like family.

Jean’s faith was the steady thread woven through every season of her life. She was a devoted member of Maple Grove Church, where she served as worship leader for more than 50 years. Her voice filled the sanctuary Sunday after Sunday and her love for teaching Sunday school shaped countless children who still remember her gentle encouragement and unwavering belief in them.

She was also a passionate Buckeye fan. Cheering loudly, faithfully and with the same enthusiasm she brought to everything she loved. Whether it was a big game or a small family moment, Jean showed up with her whole heart.

But above all else, Jean’s greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great‑grandmother and great‑great‑grandmother. Her home was the gathering place, her hugs were the safe place and her love was the anchor that held generations together. Her legacy lives on in the stories told around kitchen tables in the faith she passed down and in the countless lives she touched simply by being who she was.

Jean is survived by her daughters, Vickie McDonald, Rhonda (Ernie) Folino, and Tiffany K. Cordle; grandchildren, Kelli Jean (Lee) Young, Tyra McDonald, Jessica Dorst, Teri (Ricky) Stevens, Dani (Jeremy) Anderson, and Kerry Michael (Katie) Green; great‑grandchildren, Dylan, Aiden (Elizabeth), Brady (Abby), Anya, Liam (Olivia), Aryanna, Kinsley, Wyatt, Kenny, Kyler, and Kohen; and great‑great‑grandchildren, Fiadh, Liam, and Jackson.

She was welcomed into Heaven by her husband, James “Jim” McDonald; her son, Kim McDonald; granddaughter, Kodi McDonald; brother, Dale Norris; son-in-law, Scott Cordle and her parents.

A funeral service, officiated by Pastor Mike Willis, will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Maple Grove United Brethren Church in Christ. Burial will follow at Union Evangelical Cemetery. Family and friends may visit from 11:00 AM until the time of service on Saturday.

Memorial contributions may be made to Maple Grove United Brethren Church in Christ, 9880 Lancaster-Newark Rd NE, Baltimore, OH 43105.

Arrangements are entrusted to JOHNSON-SMITH FUNERAL HOME. To leave an online condolence or sign the guestbook, please visit www.funeralhome.com