Virginia Gayle McDonald

A Memorial Service will be held for Virginia Gayle Brown McDonald, age 79, at Calvary Baptist Church, 1993 Hwy 3062, in Homer, LA, on Friday, June 20, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., with Rev. Steve Beard, officiating. Visitation will be at the church from 11-1, prior to the service.

Gayle was born October 7, 1945, in Bentonville, AR, to W.C. and Anne Lovelady Brown. She entered into rest on June 11, 2025, in Homer, LA. Gayle graduated from Homer High School and attended Beauty School where she received a certificate in Cosmetology. She met the love of her life at the Louisiana Hayride. He had asked her to dance and she thought he was the cutest man she had ever seen. They married and the rest is history. Gayle and Thomas helped establish Emmanuel Word Center where she served as a Sunday School teacher, a worship leader, and leader of the church. She worked for Claiborne Parish School Board as a Special Education Para where she worked with special needs children. Gayle also helped build Thomas’ business, Thomas Auto Care, and it is still operating today Homer. She had a beautiful voice and loved singing, and spending time with the “Golden Girls,” Geraldine and Penny. Thomas and Gayle enjoyed spending time with their best friends, Butch and Sharon. They loved to entertain and took great pride in cooking for family, friends, and special occasions. She was affectionately call by Thomas “Pretty Lady” and took great pride in her appearance and how she influenced others. She loved her Lord and Savior, Jesus. Gayle would share the Good News about Him to people she came in contract with and believed in the power of pray. She thought that any problem could be solved by putting on some lip stick and taking a ride in a convertible. Gayle was ready to go home to be with her Savior and Thomas.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband of 42 years, Thomas McDonald; son, Jeffery Barton; two brothers, James Dwayne Brown and Jerry Brown; two sisters, Betty Fontenot and Vera Burns; and numerous step-sisters.

She is survived by her two daughters, Crista Ellis and husband Travis of Homer, LA, and Dustyn McDonald of Haynesville, LA; seven grandchildren, Amber Player, Cord Barton, Tyler Cheney, Casey Cheney, Aryton Ralston, Laney Williams, and Ace Williams; nine great-grandchildren, Khloe, Zoey, Jeremiah, Isaiah, River, Riley, Whitlee, Eli, and Parker; along with a special nephew-best friend, Jimmy Brown; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Gayle’s family would like to express their gratitude to “Her soul mate,” Dr. Salmon, Presbyterian Village, and Bristol Hospice for the care and compassion shown her during her final days.

Honorary pallbearers will be Richard Stevens, Joe Tharp, Robert Bradshaw, Bruce Webb, and Larry Talley.

In lieu of flowers honoring Gayle, her family suggests memorials be made to Calvary Baptist Church or donor’s choice.

Rose-Neath Funeral Home

Homer Chapel (318) 927-6110