Diane Cathey McDonald

Diane Cathey McDonald joined her Savior and her beloved husband, A. W. McDonald in Eternity on February 7, 2026 after a brief illness. A private family graveside service will be held to memorialize this life well-lived.

She was born December 15, 1938, to H. J. Cathey, Jr. and Tommie Merle Nelson Cathey at home in Stonewall, Louisiana. She spent most of her life on the same hilltop in Stonewall as a descendant of some of the area’s earliest settlers.

Preceding her in death were her husband, A.W. McDonald, her parents, her brother, Howard Cathey, two brothers-in-law, two sisters-in-law, a nephew, and several cousins.

Left to cherish her memory are her two children and spouses, Kyle (Tisdale), and Kathy (Dr. David Lewis).

“Nana” is also survived by five grandchildren: Brooks McDonald Campany (Port), Blair McDonald Hull (Drew), Timothy Lewis, Kade McDonald (Claire), and Mary-Kyle McDonald Maxwell (Johnny); and ten great-grandchildren: Porter and Wills Campany; Parker, Ella, and Kent Hull II; Mary Ellis, Catherine, Eloise, and Addice William McDonald; and John Emmette Maxwell, IV. Her eleventh great-grandchild,, Joanna Brooks Maxwell, is due in April.

Diane or “Aunt Diane” is also survived by her siblings, Lynn Owens, Tom (Martha) Cathey, and Martha Keener, and a number of nieces and nephews, including grand nieces and nephews.

She graduated as valedictorian of Stonewall High School and attended Centenary College, Louisiana Tech, and Northwestern State. She retired from the DeSoto Parish School Board where she served as Federal Funds bookkeeper. In her retirement, she served several years on the Stonewall Town Council and as President of the Stonewall Cemetery Association.

She was a life-long Methodist until she recently joined Salem Baptist Church, which ministered well to her.

The 67-year marriage of Diane and A.W. was a shining example of devotion and partnership, evident to all. The love they shared was the cornerstone of their family and a cherished legacy that will continue through their growing family. Together they attended many sports events for all ages, dairymen and policy jury conferences, and accomplished their goal of visiting all 50 states.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to The Stonewall Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 241, Stonewall, LA 71078 or a charity of choice.