Mary Jane Swearingen McDonald

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Nov 7th, 2016

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Death Date: Nov 7, 2016

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Biography: Mary Jane Swearingen McDonald, age 68, of Little Rock, AR passed away Monday, November 7, 2016, due to complications from metastic breast cancer. Mary Jane was an inspiration to all her friends through the tenacity in which she endured her diagnosis. She always looked beautiful, had a smile on her face, and encouraged others with her unwavering faith and spirit. Mary Jane Swearingen McDonald was born on July 22, 1948, at St. Mary?s Hospital in Russellville, AR to Gordon and Clarene Burnett Swearingen. Because her father was in the United States Air Force, she lived in Texas, Louisiana, Florida and Massachusetts before returning to Arkansas as a young teen. Mary Jane graduated from Hall High School in 1966 and went on to get a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Master of Science in Education with an Emphasis in Reading at Arkansas State Teacher?s College. It was there that she met her husband, William Ross ?Bill? McDonald. They married August 21, 1971, and remained married for nearly 35 years until his death in 2006. Mary Jane taught in the Little Rock School District for 39 years at Rightsell, Romine and Baseline Elementary. She was a 5th grade teacher for 14 years before transitioning into Title 1 Math and Reading Specialist. Mary Jane was an extremely dedicated employee-she would receive her chemotherapy on Friday afternoons and radiation early in the morning, so she never missed a day of school while undergoing treatment. Mary Jane?s greatest joys were her children and grandchildren. Her daughters Beth McDonald Toland and Ann McDonald Polson were blessed to call her mom. Their children loved their ?Mema?, as she did them. Mary Jane joined Immanuel Baptist Church in September 1962 and remained a faithful, active member. Her faith sustained her throughout the difficult years brought on by her cancer diagnosis and the early death of her husband. Mary Jane exemplified the Proverbs 31 woman in all areas of her life. Mary Jane is preceded in death by her father, Gordon Swearingen and her husband Bill McDonald. She is survived by her mother Clarene Swearingen of Little Rock; daughters Beth McDonald Toland (Chad) and Ann McDonald Polson (Preston) ; and grandchildren Matthew, Gracen and Lauren Toland and Luke and Will Polson all of Little Rock. She is also survived by her brother David Swearingen of Martinsdale, VA and her niece Davi Swearingen Smith (Dennis) and their children Emma and John David of North Little Rock. Visitation will be Wednesday, November 9, 2016 from 6:00 p.m. -8:00 p.m. at Immanuel Baptist Church, Little Rock, AR. Funeral service will be at Immanuel Baptist Church on Thursday, November 10, 2016 at 10:00 am. Graveside service will be immediately following for friends and family at Oakland Cemetery in Atkins, AR with Deacon Ed Hicks presiding. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Immanuel Baptist Church. Mary Jane?s family would like to thank Dr. Mariann Harrington and her wonderful nurses and staff who not only treated her cancer, but loved her as well. We would also like to thank the staff of Baptist Health, floor 10-A, for providing such compassionate care. Arrangements are by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.

Condolences(16)

Carletta Burchett

#16

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I work with MaryJane at Baseline Elementary in 1994. She truly was a unique and beautiful person and will truly be missed by her co-workers as well as her family. She fought all the way with courage and with an uplifting spirit. My prayers go out to Ann and Beth, hold on to the wonderful memories of your mom and she adored you both. Prayers to you both and the entire family. God Bless and keep you all under his wings of love and grace.

Jim and Linda Palmer

#15

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

We learned of this a little late, so our condolences are late, too. We're so sorry for your family in this difficult time. Mary Jane fought a good fight. Her courage is an inspiration to all of us.

Jane and Paul Brown

#14

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Mary Jane was a truly remarkable person, and we count ourselves very fortunate to have been her neighbors and called her our friend. Her courage, love of life, strong faith, and pride in her family were inspirational. To Beth and Ann and your families, we are sorry for your loss, yet we are glad that your mother has been released from suffering. She is in a better place, beyond this corruptible world.

Chad and Heather Trickey

#13

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Beth and Chad, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Michelle

#12

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

In this time of sorrow, may these promises from the Bible comfort and strengthen you as you endure the loss of your dear Grandma. Jehovah God is close to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit. And he will wipe away the tears from all faces. Psalms 34:18; Isaiah 25:8 NWT. Peace be with you.

Wil Johnson-Dunn

#11

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Mary Jane will surely be missed. She was a beacon on hope in enduring her cancer. She was always full of smiles and laughter. She was a great friend and co-worker. My prayers and condolences are with your family. May God's arms comfort you in this sad time. We will miss you, Mary Jane.

Kathy Griffis

#10

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Mary Jane was a true sweetheart. I enjoyed her through a Sunday school class and shared events in this class. She never really ever complained or fretted and always took her condition like a true hero of tolerance. I am glad she is not fighting the battle any longer and is present with the Lord Jesus. God bless her and her beautiful family.

Tina Riley Johnson

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

My heart is sadden by the news of Mrs
McDonald's passing. I came to know her at Baseline Elementary in 1993 and grew to love her as family. Mrs. McDonald was very instrumental in my son's life(Eric Steen)I will miss your contagious smile. May God give strength and comfort to the family in this time of sadness.

Carolyn Huffman

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Mary Jane was a role model to many. She lived a life and set Godly examples for many of our youth and her peers. Always had a smile, and positive out look. Prayers to all the family.

Patricia Elkins

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Ann and Beth, I know you both loved your mom dearly and that she was precious to you both. Praying that God comforts you and provides you with peace that passes all understanding.

Fred & Dixie Merrill

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Our sincere thoughts are with you Beth & Chad & family. Treasure the memories you have of her.
Bill sent pictures of your wedding, I'm so glad to have photos of her on your wedding day.

Suzanne Rainwater Jenkins

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Mary Jane and I were close at Hall High. I'm so very sorry for your lose. My prays are with her family.

Mrs. Margaret L. Pleasants

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Mary Jane was a living testament to the grace and sufficiency of the Lord Jesus Christ. In the years of her valiant battle I never heard her complain or question God. She was a portrait of courage in Christ. She encouraged so many including myself. Truly in the lives of all of us privileged to know her, we feel such a loss yet with her home going the light of Jesus in her life will continue to shine. My heart is glad she is no longer suffering but I hurt for Mrs. Swearingen and Ann and the rest of her family whom Mary Jane loved so very much. Your family in Christ will be praying for you plus I really feel Mary Jane is now in that Hebrews 12:1 cloud of witnesses watching over and joining Jesus in intercession (Heb. 7:25).
One day there will be a glad reunion.
May the Lord of Psalm 147:3 and the God of all comfort wrap you all around as only He can do.
Love in Christ,
Margaret

Melissa Smith Allen

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Mary Jane was the ultimate southern lady, also poised and put together! I enjoyed working with her at Baseline and being friends outside of school. She was a special person. I admired her continued strength for the battle she fought. My prayers for peace and comfort as your mother is in the arms of God!

Mary McIntire

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I loved Mary Jane like a sister and will miss her dearly. She inspired and encouraged me, and I am so blessed and thankful that God placed her in my life. Beth & Ann, I am praying for you daily. Your Mom was one in a million. This world is less without her, but heaven is more, and we know we will see her again. May God wrap you in His love and give you comfort and peace.

Sharra Hampton

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Mary Jane was a wonderful friend and coworker. We had many great times working together, celebrating our birthdays together (we were born 3 days apart), taking a few trips and visiting with other friends at an occasional social gathering. She and Cathy Koehler were the first people at my door when my husband passed away. She was always caring and supportive. I will miss her greatly. Praying for the family that God will comfort and sustain you.

Mary Jane Swearingen McDonald

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