DaShawn Marvette McDonald

DaShawn Marvette McDonald was born on September 3, 1973, in Akron, Ohio, to James McDonald Jr. and Doretha Bullock McDonald.

She began her education at Saint Mary's Catholic School and later attended Akron Public Schools, graduating from John R. Buchtel High School in 1991. DaShawn went on to study Marketing at Kent State University.

She was a dedicated and long-term employee of Best Buy, where she rose through the ranks thanks to her strong work ethic and leadership. She eventually retired due to illness but remained ambitious and creative even in retirement.

DaShawn was a vibrant and talented woman whose creativity knew no bounds. She had a passion for decorating and event planning, bringing elegance and joy to weddings, showers, birthday parties, and any celebration she touched. Her love for travel, bowling, skating, and especially shopping, was something she shared lovingly with her children-continuing a family tradition passed down from her mother and grandmother.

After falling ill, DaShawn found a new passion: fashioning ordinary clothing into custom pieces that allowed her to feel beautiful and confident, even in the face of adversity. She turned this passion into a business, helping other LVAD warriors feel empowered and stylish. Her strength, resilience, and grace during this time were nothing short of inspiring. She never allowed her illness to define her and met every challenge with unwavering faith, dignity, and a positive spirit.

DaShawn was baptized at the age of 12 and never lost her faith in God. Her belief carried her through every storm and ultimately guided her home to Him on Thursday, September 11, 2025.

She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Janay Neal; her parents, James and Doretha McDonald; her maternal grandparents, William and Marjorie Bullock; her paternal grandparents, James Sr. and Martha McDonald; her sister-in-love, Tiffany Ray; and father-in-love, Elbert Meeks.

DaShawn leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and strength. She is survived by her beloved daughter, Jasmine Neal; her beloved son, Dorian Freeman; her cherished grandson, Cameron Humbert Jr.; and her devoted life partner, David Macklin. She is also survived by her brother, James (Pam) McWain; her special nephew, Meko (Aarrion) McWain; great-niece and nephew, Peyton and Carter McWain; her bonus children, David Crenshaw, Delanio (Peris) Crenshaw, and Daijanae Crenshaw; her bonus grandchildren, London and Kari Crenshaw; her mother-in-love, Janet Meeks; long-time friend, Terrance Freeman and a host of family and friends who loved her deeply.

DaShawn lived her life with intention, integrity, and love. She will never be forgotten. She embodied the scripture, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."- 2 Timothy 4:7

Though she will be deeply missed, her loved ones find peace in knowing that she is now in the presence of the Lord. As the Bible promises in 2 Corinthians 5:8, "To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." This hope sustains those who loved her, until they are reunited again.