Arlester H. McDonald

In Loving Memory of Arlester (Leslie) Haskin McDonald 08/10/1941 - 09/02/2025
Obituary
Arlester (Leslie) Haskin McDonald, 84-years young, went to be with her Lord on, Tuesday, September 2, 2025. Leslie was born August 10, 1941, she was the 7th of 15 children born to London Haskin Sr. and Gussie Lee Haskin of Wynne, Arkansas. Leslie accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at the young age of 14 and remained a devout Christian throughout her life journey.
She attended Rust College in Mississippi, Pike's Peak College in Colorado, and Saint Phillips College in San Antonio, Texas where she completed requirements for her associate degree in business. Leslie retired from AMPEX Cooperation after 17 years where she was responsible for distribution of parts for audio/video heads--the first instant replay products in television. After arriving in San Antonio, she was a dedicated worker at both Sears and QVC for more than 12 years.
As a member of Cornerstone Church, she was a member of the choir where she and her husband were cell group leaders for several years. She was blessed with the gifts of evangelizing and benevolence. Leslie possessed undeniable self-fortitude, and dedication to Christ, life and family. She ensured her family will be together again by ensuring we all accepted Christ as our personal Lord and Savior. Additionally, as the family prayer warrior, she's the reason we all knew no matter what happened in life, two things were certain-God was with us and our mother was praying for us everyday of our lives; which equated to our foundation of "Home was where the Lord and Mom resided." In short, our family was "truly blessed" to have such a great spiritual leader.
Leslie loved reading her Bible, memorizing scripture, praying with and for others, witnessing about Christ, and spending time with family. She was a caring and dedicated military wife throughout her husband's 21-year Air Force career. She had an infectious laugh, loved to eat, and had a genuine love for her family and people.
Leslie was preceded in death by her loving husband of 61 years, Joseph Hubert McDonald, Jr.; parents London Haskin Sr. and Gussie Lee Haskin; sisters Girtha Guillory and Dorothy Polite; and brothers Leottis Haskin, Dwight Haskin, T-Arthur Haskin Sr., Tommy Haskin, and Virgil Haskin Sr.
Her legacy will be carried on by her loving family, including her children, Delton (Debbie) McDonald, Twuana (Steve) Henry, Shelah (Roy) Simmons, Bettey Jean Bailey, Janice (Willie) Clayburn, and Joseph McDonald III. Sister Clementine Copeland; brothers London Haskin Jr., James (Martha) Haskin, and Levertis (Gail) Haskin. She also leaves behind nine grandchildren Cortland, Dr. Nicole Henry, Reginald, Ronnie, Rodrick, Tyrone, Kimberly, Nicholas, Joseph IV; nine great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. She will also be deeply missed by nieces, nephews, and other family members and friends, but will be forever remembered for her unconditional love, wisdom, and the positive impact she made on the lives of those fortunate enough to know her.
Celebration of life services will be held Monday, September 22, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at Cornerstone Church, 8755 Stone Oak Parkway, San Antonio, Texas 78258. Internment will be held Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 10:30 at Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Road, Fort Sam Houston, Texas 78209.