Mrs. Portia Hargrove McDonald, age 79, of Sandersville passed away on Sunday, April 10, 2022, at Doctor’s Hospital in Augusta. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held on Friday, April 15, 2022, at 2:00 P.M. in the Sandersville United Methodist Church. Reverend Stan Littleton will officiate. Visitation will be held on Friday, April 15 from 1:00 P.M. until the hour of the service at the Sandersville United Methodist Church.
Mrs. McDonald was born and reared on a farm in Eastman, the daughter of the late Ray Hargrove and the late Rachel Hill Hargrove. Portia was a 1961 graduate from the Dodge County High School, where she was recognized as an Honor Graduate, the student with the highest SAT score, and given the title of “Most Likely to Succeed.” Upon graduation, she continued her education at North Georgia College in Dahlonega, where she met the love of her life, Theodore McDonald III from Dublin. Mrs. McDonald graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Home Economics. As the wife of a career member of the United States Army, Portia and Theodore often traveled for service to our country both domestically and internationally. In 1998, they relocated to Sandersville when Theo was named as President of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce. Mrs. McDonald briefly worked as a part-time Extension Agent, but most of her works were labors of love. She was an exceptional cook and was proficient at all types of needlework. Portia did not believe in passive church membership and fully participated in as many capacities as possible at the Sandersville United Methodist Church, playing in the Handbell Choir, helping with Puppet Theater in Vacation Bible School and the Wednesday After School Program, and frequently opening her home and pool for the enjoyment of the youth. Mrs. McDonald battled multiple sclerosis for forty years but refused to allow MS to become her identity. While confined to a wheelchair, her amazing memory, impeccable taste, and keen sense of humor allowed her to continue living life to its fullest extent. Her greatest joys were derived from time spent with her children and grandchildren. In addition to her parents, Portia was preceded in death by her sister, Priscilla Hargrove-Butler.
Mrs. McDonald is survived by her husband of fifty-eight years, Retired Col. Theo McDonald III of Sandersville; sons, Kevin (Melissa) McDonald of Tampa, Florida, Matthew (Dina) McDonald of Macon, and Steve (Kellie) McDonald of Canton; brother, William Hargrove of Petoskey, Michigan; grandchildren, Rachel Anne McDonald, Alexandra (Dylan) McDonald Bloch, Jacob (Sara) McDonald, Caden McDonald, Edwin McDonald, and Grace McDonald; multiple nieces and nephews; and a faithful lapdog Bailey.
Donations may be made in Mrs. McDonald’s memory to the Multiple Sclerosis Association at mymsaa.org/donate or to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be expressed at mayandsmithfuneraldirectors.com.
May and Smith Funeral Directors is in charge of these arrangements.