Marie Parks McDonald, age 89, a life long resident of Benton, passed away Monday, November 07, 2005 in a local hospital. She was a member of the Welcome Valley Baptist Church. Mrs. McDonald was the daughter of the late Oscar and Crintha Parks and was also preceded in death by her husband Walter McDonald, Sr.; an infant daughter, Lillian Wilma McDonald; one brother, Sam Parks and one sister, Elise Allen.

She is survived by her three children and spouses: Christine and Paul Wood of Delano, Geraldine Warren of Benton, and Walter "Sonny" McDonald, Jr. and Nancy McDonald of Delano; grandchildren: Darlene Schenck of Calhoun, Douglas Wood of Delano, and Anthony and Aaron McDonald of Benton; eight great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday in the Welcome Valley Baptist Church with Reverend David Bowers officiating. Her family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will follow in Benton Memorial Gardens with the release of a flock of white doves concluding the service.

The family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday at Higgins Funeral Home.