Cynthia Reese McDonald

Cynthia Reese McDonald, born on December 26, 1951, in Tampa, Florida, entered into eternal rest on November 11, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama.  She was the youngest of 11 children, born to the parentage of James T. Reese Sr. and Mary Thompson Reese, and John B. Reese and Ana V. Reese. Although she was the youngest of 11 children, her presence was strong.  

She attended schools in Tampa, Florida, graduating from Middleton High School, class of 1970.  She went on to graduate from Hillsborough Community College.  

She married the love of her life, John F. McDonald Sr, in 1974. This union of 51 years was blessed with four beautiful children, Erica, Mary, John, and Esther.  She loved her family.

She substituted at schools in Hillsborough County and was a foster parent to many children. Cynthia was a board member of the Carver City Civic Center, the Progress Village Senior Center, and the Ybor City  Nursing Home. She retired in 2018 from the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) of Tampa, Florida, in the Human Resources department. She served 28 years with the Department of the Army. She and her husband opened their home to individuals who were experiencing homelessness. 

Cynthia loved the Lord. She loved her church family. She served in various departments and positions within the church. Her favorite scripture was “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you”, Mathew 6:33. She often sang the song, Faith, faith, faith, Just a little bit of Faith; which touched so many lives.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James Thomas Reese and Mary Thompson Reese,  John B. Reese, and Ana V. Reese; siblings: Joseph Reese, Phyllis Reese Jones, Major Reese,  James J. Reese, Jr., Johnny Lee Reese, Mertis Wedlow, and Willie Reese; Mother-in-law Willie  Mae McDonald, and Aunt Louise Vickers.  

She is survived by her husband, John F. McDonald, Sr., Erica Harris (Pastor Stanley Harris), Mary McDonald,  John F. McDonald Jr (Noreen McDonald), and Esther McDonald, 15 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. Siblings: George Reese (Ann Reese), Bernard Reese (Johnnie N. Reese), Brenda Reese-Brown, and Andrea Marie Reese. A host of other nieces, nephews, family, and friends. Cynthia will be missed by those who loved and knew her. 

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