Hattie J. Taylor McDonald

The life journey of Hattie J. Taylor McDonald began in Stanton, Tennessee, where she was born on January 4, 1939, to Henry and Ethel Cunningham Taylor. Reared in a God‑fearing home, Hattie accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior and Lord at an early age at St. Matthew Baptist Church. Her profession of faith was later affirmed through baptism under the leadership of Rev. L. C. Jones.

Hattie was educated in the Tipton County School District and graduated with the Class of 1957. After completing her studies, she moved to Chicago, Illinois, where she later met and married her husband, Azo Howard. They shared many blessed years together until his passing. In time, God allowed love to find her again, and Hattie wed Daniel McDonald

Professionally, Hattie worked at M & I Bank in Chicago, faithfully serving as a custodial care professional. She was also a devoted member of Travelers Rest Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Walter L. Taylor.

In 2015, Hattie returned to her Tennessee roots and made her home in Covington. There, she continued her walk with Christ at St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church, where she joyfully served in the Food Bank Distribution Ministry and willingly helped wherever she was needed. She also worked with Jones Fruit and Vegetable Stand, where her warm spirit and kind heart touched countless lives.

To know Hattie was truly to love her. Her passion for love, life, and laughter was unmatched.

The final chapter of Hattie J. Taylor McDonald’s earthly journey concluded at 9:04 p.m. at Methodist Healthcare Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.

Hattie was the devoted mother of four children: Will Taylor of Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin; and the late Norman Howard, Franzetta Howard Fields, and Beatrice Howard. She was the beloved sister of Edna (Pastor Walter) Taylor of Chicago, Illinois, and was preceded in death by Earline Smith, Rev. I. V. Taylor, Henry “Son” Taylor, James E. Taylor, Charles Taylor, Paul Johnson, and Sperlon Johnson.

She was the proud grandmother of two generations of grandchildren and leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, friends, and her cherished church family.