Myrl Julia Farris McDonald

Myrl Julia Farris McDonald

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” (Psalm 116:15)  Myrl Julia Farris McDonald, age 90, of Conklin, NY, went to be with Jesus on March 11, 2019. Myrl lived a long and faithful life, instilling a strong love for God in each of her four daughters, eight grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.  Myrl was born on January 8, 1929, in Shelby, NC, to Robert and Ellen (Martin) Farris. While in elementary school, she heard a biblical message from Luke 15 and realized that, like the lost sheep, she needed Jesus to be her Shepherd and forgive her sins. At that time, she decided to give her life to Jesus Christ, a decision that had a wonderful impact on the rest of her life.  After graduating from Gardner Webb College, she met William (Bill) McDonald, who was in ministry with evangelist Oliver B. Green. They were married August 21, 1954, and made their home in Greenville, SC, where Bill taught music at Bob Jones University. All four daughters were born during this time.  Because of Bill’s teaching and music ministry, the family lived in several locations, including Winston-Salem, NC; Hartsville, SC; Clarks Summit, PA; and Seattle, WA. While living in Seattle, Bill was killed in an automobile accident in 1991. Myrl remained in the Seattle-Tacoma area for several years with her daughter Katherine and family before moving to the Binghamton area to be near her daughter Elizabeth and family.  Some of the things that Myrl loved the most included her Savior, her family, the hymns of the faith, playing piano and organ, gardening, watching birds, sewing, playing with her grandchildren, and the coloring books that brought her much pleasure in her final years.

Myrl is survived by her four daughters, Elizabeth (Dave) Mayner of Conklin, NY; Rebekah McDonald of Dallas, TX; Katherine (Andy) Mooren of Saranac, MI; and Mary (Ron) Mundy of Toledo, OH. Myrl was loved by her eight grandchildren: Michael (Michelle) Mundy, Nicole (Travis) DeVol, Holly Mooren, Daniel Mayner, Nathan Mundy, Emalie (Drew) Hiler, Joshua Mayner, and Karalyn Mooren. She also has three adorable great-grandchildren: Hailey, Noah, and Emma Mundy.  Myrl was preceded in death by her husband, William McDonald, her parents Robert and Ellen Martin Farris, her sister Lois Farris Kale, and two sisters who did not survive infancy.

A celebration of Myrl’s life will be held on Friday, March 15, 2019, at 4:00 p.m. at The Little White Church, 1049 Conklin Rd, Conklin, NY. Visitation will be held at the church from 3:00 p.m. until the time of the service.  Arrangements were entrusted to Savage-DeMarco Funeral Service 1605 Witherill St. Endicott, NY 13760.  Condolences may be expressed at www.SavageFS.com.  Please consider memorial contributions to any of these ministries that Myrl supported:

International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (PO Box 96105; Washington, DC 20090-6105)
Our Daily Bread Ministries (PO Box 2222; Grand Rapids, MI  49501)
Samaritan’s Purse (PO Box 3000; Boone, NC 28607)

“I know that my Redeemer lives, … and in my flesh I shall see God.” (Job 19:25-26)

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Myrl Julia Farris McDonald, please visit our floral store.