Amelia Huskey McDonald, 81, of Northfield, IL, died peacefully the third of May, 2017, following complications of a hemorrhagic stroke.  James Herschel McDonald, her husband of 55 years, preceded her in death.  Amelia is survived by her two daughters, two sons and seven grandchildren who filled her life with joy. Daughters Amelia Karin McDonald and her daughter Anna Hendrix of New York, NY; and Mary Jo and her husband Robert Kims Collins and their children Emma Amelia, Angus Kims, and Marjorie Karen of Kenilworth, IL. Sons James Herschel McDonald, Jr., of Carlton, OR; and John Stuart McDonald and his wife Sheila Marie and their children James Owen, Allison Linda, and Martin Stuart of Gresham, OR. She is also survived by her sister, Marjorie Helen Capshaw, of Houston, TX, and predeceased by her sister, Patricia Ann Anderson, of Paris, TX.

Born December 22, 1935, in Prescott, AR, the daughter of Norma and John Clifford Huskey, Amelia was a graduate of Arp High School, Arp, Texas, an honors graduate of Texas Woman’s University, and a graduate of Tyler Junior College. Amelia taught elementary school in Tyler, Texas, and in Port Arthur, Texas, prior to her and Jim starting their family.  She raised their family in Port Arthur, in Pittsburgh, PA, in Miami, FL, in Tokyo, Japan, and in Houston, Texas.  Six years ago, she and Jim moved to Northfield, IL, to live near family. She was active member there of Kenilworth Union Church.

Amelia loved books and art, collecting works on paper and ceramics.  A long time resident of Houston, TX, she volunteered in the library of Chapelwood United Methodist Church, where she was a member.  She founded and actively participated in book clubs wherever she lived.  Among her civic activities, Amelia was a volunteer at Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens, part of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; a past member of the Ima Hogg Ceramic Circle; and a volunteer at the College Women’s Association of Japan Print Show, Tokyo.  She also enjoyed travel, gardening, and needlepoint.  Above, all, Amelia’s passion was her family and close friends – conversations with her children and their families and with friends brought her great happiness throughout her life.

A funeral service will be held at Sweet Home Church, Blevins, AR, on Sunday, May 7, at 2 pm followed by burial at Sweet Home Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Sweet Home Church an hour before the funeral service.  Friends will also be received on Tuesday, May 9, 5 to 7 pm at Kenilworth Union Church, Kenilworth, IL.  Arrangements by Brazzel/Oakcrest The Funeral Home of Hope, Eddie Brazzel, Director. Online Guestbook:www.brazzelfuneralhomes.com  For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the library of Chapelwood United Methodist Church, to be directed to Chapelwood UMC, Attn: Kris Jodon, Library IMO Amelia McDonald, 11140 Greenbay Street, Houston, TX 77024; or to Northfield Public Library, Attn: Kristin Carlson, 1785 Orchard Lane, Northfield, IL 60093.