Obituary of Sophia M McDonald

Sophia Marie VanNess, Jones, McCoy, McDonald (As Mother would say) 

Sophia was born on March 15, 1938, in Chatham, NY. She was the daughter of the Late Rebecca VanNess and Calvin Murray. She entered into a peaceful sleep on May 23, 2023, with her loving and faithful family by her side. 

Sophia attended the Chatham NY school district then later moved to Albany NY where she worked as a Nurse amongst other trades. 

Mommy leaves to cherish her many, many memories. 

SHE WAS THE EVER SO PROUD MOTHER OF: Carletta, Juanita (Michael), Peppermint (Ray), Lorenzo Jr, Thomas (Arlethia), Lormenzo (Jacqueline), Steven Sr., Stephen, Michael, Bernadette (Romeo), Barry, Larry, Shaun, Alberta, Lisa (Kenneth), and Paul. 1 sister Rebecca (Richard), one sister-in-law Delma, and one brother Freddie. 

Mommy leaves behind a world of grand, great, and great-great grandchildren, who she loves unconditionally. A host of nieces and nephews who she adores ever so much. And many, many friends who became like family. 

Mommy was predeceased in death by her loving daughter MaryAnn, two brothers John, and Harry, and three sisters Loretta, Josephine, and Katherine. 

Mommy was a foster mom to over 100 + children way too many to name, but they know who they are. 

Mommy never met a stranger. If you met her, you would always remember her. If you were in need and she could help you it would be “Mother to the rescue.” She was “grandma” to so many, no matter who you were from cashiers, judges, police officers, mechanics, teachers, neighbors, doctors, nurses, etc. She was the “Special Grandma” of any neighborhood she lived in. She was a very dear Aunt to those who loved her. 

Before retirement, Mommy was a nurse by profession in various hospitals. She is a member of Friendship Baptist Church in Ferndale, NY under the leadership of Pastor Harry L Brown Jr. Mommy loves working and taking care of children. Mommy was so proud of her children's choir and looked forward to starting another one. Mommy was a woman who wore many hats, she even tore a house down, and did a little of everything including electrical work, painting, gardening, sewing, building, and singing a lil sumtin’. Mommy sure did love her bottles and cans, and all those yard sales. Mommy loved her moments on church conference with Pastor Dennis Townes of Mississippi singing and listening to the sermons. We can go on and on Mother, everyone you have touched has got their own personal smiles and memories about you. Rest on Mother we love you dearly. Enjoy your time with the Lord while walking around Heaven all day.