Hazel Mae McDonald, age 77, of Springfield, Missouri, formerly of Sikeston, Missouri, departed this life on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at Cox Health Hospital in Springfield, Missouri. Hazel was born September 5, 1946, in Sikeston, Missouri, a daughter to Warrick W. Miller and Frances Irene (Samford) Miller. She was united in marriage on August 29, 1965, in Morley, Missouri, to James H. McDonald. Sons, Jamie and Steven, fondly remember that mom and dad met in church and the story of dad driving out to the cotton field to ask her on their first official date.

Hazel is survived by her husband, James (Jim) Hial McDonald, of the home; two sons, James (Jamie) Hial McDonald, Jr., and his wife, Karen, of Springfield, Missouri, and Steven Lynn McDonald of St. Louis, Missouri; a brother, Willard Miller, and his wife, Dorothy, of Sikeston Missouri; a sister, Nancy Wheeler, and her husband, Michael, of Sikeston, Missouri; a special sister-in-law, Wanda Holland, and her husband, Gary, of Fayetteville, Arkansas; along with many nieces, nephews, their families and many friends. Hazel was preceded in death by her parents and father-in-law/mother-in-law, Bill and Lucille McDonald; a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Glenda and Will Manche; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Joe and Wanda McDonald. Hazel was a life-long member of the Church of Christ and so loved her church family at the Shady Acres Church of Christ. Hazel lived her faith and taught Sunday School for many years, attended the ladies’ bible study, and enjoyed her time working with the food pantry at Shady Acres. To know Hazel, one learned of her unwavering love for her family. Hazel loved to spend time with all her nieces, nephews, and their families. The McDonald home was always open for pop-in visitors or large family gatherings. Hazel loved to make cookies and other sweets for everyone to enjoy. Before the onset of her illness, you would find her working in her large garden or tending to her flowerbeds. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to: The Fairhaven Children’s Home In memory of Hazel McDonald 3132 N Fairhaven Loop Strafford, MO 65757.

Funeral services will be at the Shady Acres Church of Christ: 12:30 p.m. Saturday, September 9, 2023, burial will follow in Memorial Park Gardens, Sikeston, MO. Visitation will be at the church from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. before services begin.