Drusilla Hope McDonald

Drusilla Hope (Hudson) McDonald, age 94, of Marshall, Michigan, passed away peacefully on February 24, 2026.


She was born September 6, 1931, in South Bend, Indiana, to Madison and Ruth (Clark) Hudson.


Drusilla was preceded in death by her beloved husband, JT (James Theodore) McDonald Sr.; her parents; and her cherished sisters, Betty Henderson, Lois Davis, Bonnie Osborne, Barbara Morse, and Candis Nix.


She is survived by her five sons, James (Blair), John (Sandra), Madison (Shonda), William (Rozellyn), and Andrew (Angela) McDonald. She was a proud grandmother of nine grandchildren, twenty-two great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews.


From an early age, Drusilla lived a life of faith and devotion. As a child, she worked alongside her parents as they ministered throughout the tri-state area, sometimes traveling alone by train to serve as the pianist for the churches where her family was ministering, faithfully returning home in time for school the next day.


She graduated from Ypsilanti High School and began working at the Kaiser-Frazer Plant. On October 30, 1948, she married the love of her life, JT (James Theodore) McDonald Sr., after being introduced to him by her father, Madison Hudson. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and ministry.


In 1966, they moved to Detroit, where together they faithfully served and pastored Burton Street Apostolic Church for twenty-three years, dedicating their lives to ministry and to sharing the love of God.


Drusilla also served her community as a Neighborhood Council Member for the City of Detroit for three years. She was a founding member of the Michigan District Ladies Auxiliary Retreat of the United Pentecostal Church International, serving on its board for twenty-three years. She received national recognition as a speaker and was a gifted pianist whose ministry touched countless lives.


She will be remembered as a loving wife, devoted mother, cherished grandmother, and faithful servant. She had the privilege of raising five sons and was known as a strong yet tender-hearted woman who encouraged others and helped guide them along life’s path.


Drusilla loved the simple joys of life. She treasured her morning coffee and peanut butter toast, loved to laugh, and especially cherished time spent with her sisters, affectionately known as the “Hudson Sisters.” She never met a stranger and was known for her kindness, warmth, and welcoming spirit.


Her love for God was the foundation of her life, and she served Him faithfully with all her heart.


Visitation will be held Thursday, March 5, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at PineView Church, 6400 Textile Road, Ypsilanti, Michigan, with the funeral service immediately following at 5:00 PM.


Her legacy of faith, love, and devotion will live on in the lives of all who knew and loved her.


“Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:23