Julia A. McDonald

Julia A. McDonald, age 75, of Brighton, Colorado, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at home on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, following a period of declining health.
Julia McDonald, born on September 30, 1949, in Bryson City, North Carolina, was the beloved daughter of the late Charlie Coleman and Ernestine (Gibson) Grier. A graduate of Bryson City High School, she went on to earn her nursing degree and devoted over 30 years of her life as a Registered Nurse in the labor and delivery unit. Julia's dedication to her profession was unwavering-she cared for countless families with grace, strength, and compassion. Her life was a reflection of her deep commitment to serving others. On October 28, 1967, she married the love of her life, William C. Kirby McDonald, in her hometown of Bryson City.
Julia was a woman of faith and a longtime member of both Shorter Community AME Church and New Hope Baptist Church. She found joy in life's simple pleasures-online shopping, swinging gently on the front porch, tending to her flower garden and rose bushes, and marveling at the beauty of the snowcapped mountains. Her greatest joy, however, came from time spent with her family, whom she loved deeply.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 57 years, Kirby McDonald; four children, Tanya Yvette McDonald, William Keith McDonald, Tammy K. McDonald (Earnest McNeal), and TJ Parker (Jaqueline Hayes); seven grandchildren, Kirby Alexis McDonald (Joseph Pelton), Julia Blaque McDonald, Bree'Onna Green, William Markeith McDonald (Alejandra McDonald), Brittany McDonald, Brandon McDonald, and Kezia McDonald-McNeal; two great-grandchildren, Zoey Green and Siah K. Pelton; two sisters, Sharon Murray and Kim Haag; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Charlie Coleman, Jr.
Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation on Monday, June 23, 2025, at First Baptist Church, 12720 Burton City Road, Orrville, from 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. A memorial service will follow at 12:00 p.m., with Rev. Gary DeHart officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123, or online at cancer.org.